Abstract:
Background: Poor adherence to anti-hypertension (AHT) medication contributes to uncontrolled hypertension (HT) and its subsequent complications. A healthcare provider’s (HCP) role in a patient’s adherence stems from the provider’s knowledge, communication, and relationship. This study explored the role of HCP training as an effective and feasible strategy to improve anti-hypertension medication adherence (AHT-MA).
Objective: To explore the perceived barriers and facilitators of healthcare providers' training as a strategy to optimize adherence to anti-hypertension medication in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Methods: Qualitative secondary analysis with a phenomenology study design was conducted. HCP’s responses from an in-depth semi-structured interview were utilized. Data was collected from 25 HCPs (14 in public and 11 in private health facilities). Coding was done using OpenCode 4.02. Thematic framework analysis was used to organize the study’s findings.
Results: The barrier and facilitator themes were classified under three domains. In research and development domain HCPs identified lack of access, absence of contextualized content, and nationally supported data on adherence as barriers. As health system barriers, HCPs found affordability and equitable access as the predominant challenges. This also entailed HCP’s concerns about the strategy’s compatibility with working conditions and patients’ needs when it’s mandated. Finally, HCPs reported an improvement in provider-patient relationships, counseling skills, and technical competence in managing AHT-MA as a result of HCP training.
Conclusion: This study’s findings shed light on the enabling factors and more so the challenges of its development, implementation, and sustainability. Further research duplicating these observations through robust methodologies to inform legislation and practice is suggested.