Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 13 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 603-615
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260763
Association Between Hypertension-Related Knowledge and Medication Adherence Among Patients with Hypertension in the Coastal Area of Wakatobi Regency
La Ode Alifariki
Department of Nursing, Medical Faculty, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: La Ode Alifariki
ABSTRACT
Background: Hypertension is a chronic disease that requires lifelong medication adherence to prevent cardiovascular complications. However, medication adherence remains suboptimal, particularly among coastal populations with limited access to healthcare services. Hypertension-related knowledge is considered one of the key factors influencing patients' adherence to prescribed treatment.
Objective: To examine the relationship between hypertension-related knowledge and medication adherence among patients with hypertension living in the coastal area of Wakatobi Regency.
Methods: An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 100 patients with hypertension selected using proportionate stratified random sampling. Hypertension-related knowledge was assessed using the Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS), while medication adherence was measured using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test, with statistical significance established at p < 0.05.
Results: Most participants demonstrated a moderate level of hypertension-related knowledge (47.0%) and moderate medication adherence (45.0%). Bivariate analysis showed that educational level (p = 0.009), duration of hypertension (p = 0.041), and family support (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with medication adherence. A statistically significant association was also observed between hypertension-related knowledge and medication adherence (χ² = 39.87; p < 0.001). Participants with higher knowledge demonstrated a substantially greater proportion of high medication adherence than those with lower knowledge.
Conclusion: Hypertension-related knowledge is significantly associated with medication adherence among patients with hypertension living in the coastal area of Wakatobi Regency. Improving patients' knowledge through continuous health education may enhance medication adherence and contribute to better long-term hypertension management.
Keywords: coastal community; hypertension; knowledge; medication adherence; Wakatobi
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