Treatment Adherence, Cognitive Function and Quality of Life Among People Living with Hypertension in Selected Health Centers in The Sunyani Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between treatment adherence, cognitive function, and quality of life (QoL) among people living with hypertension in Sunyani Municipality, Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected health centres (Bono regional hospital, municipal hospital, and SDA hospital). Participants living with hypertension (n = 600) completed questionnaires assessing treatment. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and regression analysis. Overall, 81.6% of participants reported a high level of adherence. Also, 94% of the participants had a lower cognitive failure score. Whereas, QoL was reported as moderate within the physical, psychological, and environmental domains, except for the social domain, which was reported as high (M = 62.30, SD = 17.31), (M = 65.66, SD = 15.00), (M = 61.82, SD = 17.17) and (M = 73.67, SD = 18.14), respectively. Cognitive function showed a significant, negatively weak association with adherence (r = -0.184, P = 0.001). Higher QoL was also associated with better adherence (r = 0.283, P = 0.000). Cognitive function significantly correlated with QoL (r = -0.136, P = 0.004), even though the association was weak. Regression analysis revealed age, sex, alcohol consumption, exercise, employment status, and bodyweight control as factors affecting treatment adherence among the hypertensive (β = 0.21, p<0.005), even after controlling other factors. Interventions targeting QoL must consider cognitive health and treatment adherence in achieving positive overall health outcomes for individuals living with hypertension in Ghana.