Effects of Patients’ Perceptions on Hypertension Treatment in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Background: The rising levels of hypertension related complications in Ghana are perceived to be associated with low anti-hypertensive medication adherence, which is attributable to patient wrong perceptions of hypertension. Aim: To explore the effects of patients’ perceptions on hypertension treatment in cape coast, Ghana. Study Design: Cross sectional survey. Place and Duration of Study: Cape Coast, Ghana. December 2013 to March 2014. Methodology: Eight out of 350 patients were selected from a baseline quantitative survey conducted at the Cape Coast Metropolis. The purposive sampling technique was used after baseline analysis with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, to select four adherents and four non-adherents to anti-hypertensive medication. In-depth interviews were conducted for the eight patients, data was processed using content analysis procedure based on three specific themes. Results: Perceived appearance of symptoms was misinterpreted as sign of rising blood pressure.  Combination of anti-hypertensive and herbal preparations was prevalent among non-adherents. Perceived side effects of anti-hypertensive particularly, sexual weakness was intense among non-adhering patients. Conclusion: Hypertensive patients in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana, were at a higher risk of medication non-adherence and uncontrolled blood pressure. The findings underscore the need to change patient orientation about hypertension, by addressing misconceptions of symptoms and medication side effects, whiles discouraging the use of herbal preparations.