Prevalence and Associated Factors of Self-Medication Among Adults With Hypertension in Central Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Self-medication is a widespread practice among individuals with chronic conditions such as hypertension. It can lead to poor blood pressure control and an increased risk of complications. However, little is known about its prevalence and associated factors among patients with hypertension in Uganda. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of self-medication among adults with hypertension at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH), Central Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during August and September 2024 among patients with known hypertension aged ≥18years attending the MRRH Hypertension Clinic. Systematic sampling was used to recruit participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, capturing sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. We defined self-medication as the use of antihypertensive medicines by individuals to treat hypertension without a formal prescription or guidance from a healthcare professional within the last 90days before the survey. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with self-medication. Results: We enrolled 192 participants, with a mean age of 58 (�14) years; 143 (75%) were female. The prevalence of self- medication with antihypertensive drugs was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI]=40%–54%). Factors associated with self -medication were low monthly income. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-medication among hypertensive patients at MRRH was high. Self-medication was associated with low monthly income, medication gap, and familial pressure. The findings suggest that interventions addressing financial barriers, medication availability, and family influence warrant further evaluation as potential strategies to reduce self-medication.