BY INDY MAEALASIA

RESEARCH has shown that reliance on herbal remedies, negative attitudes towards prescribed treatments and alcohol consumption are major factors undermining medication adherence among hypertension patients at the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Researcher Marineth Magi of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) explained that  patients participating in the study opted for herbal alternatives due to cultural beliefs and perceptions

“They(patients) think that it is safer for them to take it however, there is always no scientific proof at all for those herbal medications that they take,” she said. 

Negative attitudes towards prescribed medications also surfaced as a significant barrier.

“They feel exhausted after taking medications for such a long time. Some miss their doses for a day or two, while others only take their medications when they feel unwell,” she noted.

Additionally, alcohol consumption further complicated the adherence problem. Magi revealed that certain patients avoid taking their medication while socializing, believing that alcohol interferes with the effectiveness of their treatments.

“They think alcohol interferes with how the medication works. Because of this belief, they skip their doses during social events,” she added.

Magi emphasized the need for a coordinated effort to address these challenges. “A multi-sectoral approach involving patients, families, healthcare providers and the government is essential to promote adherence to prescribed treatments,” she said.

She called for the development and implementation of effective intervention programs tailored to address these barriers.

“Effective intervention program should be developed and implemented to address these adherence challenges,” she added.

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