Prevalence and determinants of medication adherence among patients taking antihypertensive medications in Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis 2010-2021

Abstract

Aim: This study synthesized the prevalence and determinants of hypertension medication adherence.

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis through systematic search in PUBMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane library and Google Scholar, from 2010 to 2021.

Methods: Screening was conducted and reported according to PRISMA criteria, and ten studies identified according to predetermined criteria. The studies were evaluated using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Analysis was done using the narrative synthesis method. Prevalence data were examined using random effects meta-analysis in Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.

Results: The overall prevalence of medication adherence was 34.1%, and determinants of medication adherence were the ability to attain hypertension control; hypertension knowledge; and treatment-related factors including belief of the drug efficacy, having commodities, sociocultural and financial-related factors. It is imperative to develop, test and use a comprehensive hypertension medication adherence tool that is culturally congruent to Africa.

Keywords: blood pressure; hypertension; medication adherence; meta-analysis; risk factors; systematic review.