Introduction:

Hypertension is one of the clinical condition which requires long term therapy. Successful treatment of hypertension depends largely on the patient’s compliance with the therapeutic plan. Non–compliance is one of the main reason for uncontrolled hypertension.

Objective: 

The objective of our study was to evaluate the compliance of hypertensive patient’s attending Government Medical College and ESIC Hospital, Coimbatore, TamilNadu, India.

Methodology:

This is a cross–sectional study with random sampling of patient’s on three drugs or more for hypertension. The sociodemographic data’s and the subjective information was obtained by using a preformed questionnaire. Clinical data of the patients were obtained by reviewing patient’s medical records.

Results:  

Total percentage score for compliance was around 42.3%.The best compliance was with regular periodic follow–up which was followed by regular intake of hypertensive medication and the laboratory investigations. The compliance of taking hypertensive medications was good which was 98%.Exercise had the worst compliance. It was found that poor compliance was with exercise and dietary habits i.e. taking low sodium food.  

Marital status, level of education, work status, smoking and dietary habits, the patient’s prescription for hypertensive, and the distance of the patient’s residence from the hospital were the factors which governed the compliance of the patients.

Conclusion:

Healthy lifestyle, educating patients and their family and finally strengthening the communication between the physicians and patients will enhance the compliance of hypertensive patients with their therapeutic regimen.