The Interplay between Medication Adherence and Health-Related Quality of Life in Hypertensive Elderly People in Rangpur Region of Bangladesh

Abstract

Ageing brings physical changes and health risks, but older adults are a valuable societal asset. Understanding the challenges of ageing and promoting preventative measures is essential for successful ageing. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2020 and January 2021, at the Hypertension and Research Center, Rangpur, Bangladesh, to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its association with medication adherence among hypertensive elderly individuals. A total of 156 elderly hypertensive patients (of both genders) taking antihypertensive medication for at least one year were included in this study. Data was gathered via face-to-face interviews employing a pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire. The medical record of each participant was also examined. The mean age of the participants was 66.2±6.6 years. More than one third of respondents (41%) reported about high adherence to medicine followed by low adherence (30.1%) and medium adherence (28.8%). Mean EQ-5D index value of HRQoL was found 0.63±0.263. After adjusting confounders, multivariate analysis found self-income, occupation, duration of blood pressure, controlled blood pressure, medication adherence, exercise and tobacco use influence the different domains of HRQoL. Moreover, high adherence improved the EQ-5D mean index by 0.201 (p<0.05). As medication adherence is significantly associated both in five aspects of health related quality of life and EQ-5D index value, mass awareness and counseling for being adherent to medicine should be improved.  

CBMJ 2026 July: Vol. 15 No. 02 P:10-20