Nonadherence to Antihypertensive Treatment in Bangladesh: Knowledge, Perception, Family Support and Accessibility to Treatment and Services

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.