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.
