Hypertension is a major public health concern in Saudi Arabia, with poor medication adherence and inadequate self-care contributing to uncontrolled blood pressure and increased morbidity.
Aim
This study aimed to assess levels of medication adherence and self-care behaviors among hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia and to explore how patient perceptions—behavior, motivation, and self-efficacy—affect adherence.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 hypertensive patients using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) and the Hypertension Self-Care Profile. Data were analyzed using SPSS v29.
Results
Low medication adherence was reported by 88.2% of participants. Females showed higher self-care perceptions, while males had higher adherence scores (P = 0.0088). Younger adults (18–29 years) had the lowest adherence and self-care scores. Significant negative correlations were found between MMAS scores and self-efficacy (r = −0.251).
Conclusion
Patient perceptions, particularly self-efficacy, are strongly associated with adherence. Culturally tailored behavioral interventions are needed to improve hypertension management outcomes.
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