Nonadherence to Antihypertensive Treatment in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is passing through early
epidemiological transition and hypertension is one of the
ten leading causes of morbidity and mortality. There is a
close relationship between blood pressure and the risk of
stroke, heart disease, vascular diseases and other
cardiovascular events. The control of blood pressure along
with many other factors is dependant on adherence to
treatment. Most of the hypertensive patients of Bangladesh
are non- adherent to treatment. Given the socio-cultural and
economic similarities prevailing all around the country
(maybe other countries having similar profile), the outcome
of such studies are likely to be more-or-less alike.
Several factors, health perceptions, socioeconomic factors
(increased dependence, drug costs, accessibility to
services), reduced physical mobility, attitudes towards
pill taking, and a low level of overall education, health
consciousness and the health-seeking behaviour of the
elderly may contribute to the low level of awareness,
treatment and control of blood pressure. This study focused
on those presumed factors and will be useful for the
professionals dealing with non-adherent patients.