Barriers to the consistent use of medicine in individuals with hypertension in rural Bangladesh: A qualitative study

Type of artical: Original Research Article

Section: Barriers compliance with medicine high blood pressure qualitative research

Background & objectives: Researchers have encountered significant variations in the obstacles to medication adherence in patients with hypertension, leading to uncertainty in concluding the necessity for further exploration of medication adherence. Consequently, it is imperative to create helpful therapies aimed at reducing these barriers. The objective of the present study was to identify obstacles to adherence among individuals with hypertension.

Methods: A qualitative content analysis was conducted. The participants consisted of patients with hypertension who had clinic records in the health centers of Ibrahim Medical College, Dhaka. The study employed a purposive sampling strategy, which was carried out until data saturation was reached. The semi-structured interview was chosen as the most suitable strategy for data collection. The data were examined using qualitative content analysis, constant comparative analysis, and MAXQDA (Version 10) software.

Results: Following a thorough examination and categorization of fundamental ideas, a total of 1542 primary codes were derived from the interviews. Classes were established through the use of codes and underwent repeated reviews, which involved the processes of summarization and identification of similarities. Primary topics were determined through extensive analysis and comparison of classes. The intellectual themes were called based on their inherent character. The themes encompassed in this study are: (1) the environmental difficulties encountered in daily life, (2) the incongruity amongst patients, (3) the tendency to neglect medication, and (4) the ineffectiveness of family suggestions.

Conclusions: The study identified four characteristics of barriers to patient adherence to treatment. These findings can be valuable for health managers and planners in developing strategies to address medication adherence, which is a crucial element in controlling hypertension in patients.