Medical adherence among hypertensive patients in Malaysia

A study was carried out among hypertensive patients in Malaysia to examine their medical adherence level. There were two major research questions: What are the general adherence score among hypertensive patients in Malaysia? Do men and women differ in adherence scores? Self-report Morisky Medical Adherence Scale (MMAS-4), 4 items, with three languages (English, Malay, and Chinese) was used as the instrument. 154 participants involved were recruited using quota sampling method. Participants with the following characteristics were eligible for the study: (a) Diagnosed with hypertension and currently taking antihypertensive medications, (b) outpatient, (c) ⩾ 30 years old, ⩽ 80 years old. Results indicated that mean scores were 2.75 for males, and 3.09 for females; significant difference between genders in medical adherence (p < 0.05); significant differences between genders in stopping medications when feeling better (p < 0.05); and significant correlation in age and remembering to take medication (p < 0.05). Results obtained serves as reference to authorities to improve medical adherence, factoring in gender considerations.