[Evaluation of therapeutic adherence in 73 hypertensive patients followed at the Owendo University Hospital Center (Gabon): Cross-sectional study].

OBJECTIVE To assess the therapeutic adherence of hypertensive patients followed at the University Hospital Center (CHU) of Owendo using the Girerd questionnaire, in order to better understand the mechanisms of non-adherence in this population.

METHODS This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in August 2022 among hypertensive patients who had been on treatment for at least six months, aged 18 years and older, and who had given their consent. An electronic questionnaire designed on Google Forms® collected socio-demographic data and adherence information. Adherence was assessed using the Girerd questionnaire and categorized as good, minimal, or poor based on the number of 'yes' responses. Each question was then analyzed individually.

RESULTS A total of 73 patients participated (mean age 50.9±11.4 years; sex ratio 0.55). The majority of patients were educated, had health insurance coverage, and a monthly income above 150,000 CFA francs. An adherence issue was identified in 94.5% of patients, with poor adherence in 47.9% of cases. The level of non-adherence was independent of participants' socio-demographic characteristics. Delayed medication intake (86.3%) and forgetfulness (53.4%) were the most common responses. Drug stockouts and the perception that treatment was harmful were also reported.

CONCLUSION The therapeutic adherence of hypertensive patients followed at the CHU of Owendo was poor. Targeted educational actions focusing on memory and patients' perceptions of treatment could help improve these outcomes.