Therapeutic Adherence of Hypertensive Patients According to the Morisky Scale in a Specialized Hospital in Luanda

Abstract

Introduction:Adherence rates to antihypertensive therapy range from 15.2% to 90%, depending on the region studied.Low adherence compromises clinical outcomes and quality of life, while increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.This study aimed to assess the therapeutic adherence of hypertensive patients treated at the outpatient clinic of a specialized hospital in Luanda during the fourth quarter of 2024. Material and Methods:A cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study was conducted using a non-probabilistic convenience sample of 130 hypertensive patients.Sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical variables were analyzed, as well as adherence level according to the Morisky Scale.Variable distribution was tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test; means and standard deviations were calculated for normally distributed continuous variables, and relative frequencies for categorical variables.Correlations were assessed using Spearman's coefficient, and multivariate analysis identified predictors of non-adherence. Results:The mean age was 59.2 10.8 years; 43.8% were over 60 years old, and 66.9% were women.Most participants were married (59.2%), 24.6% had completed secondary education, and 40.8% had a monthly income between 50,000-100,000 Kz.According to the Morisky Scale, 89.2% were classified as non-adherent. Conclusion:Therapeutic adherence was low.Advanced age and low income were identified as the main predictors of non-adherence.