A New Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale: Validation in Lebanese Hypertensive Adults

Abstract EN

Background.

A new Lebanese scale measuring medication adherence considered socioeconomic and cultural factors not taken into account by the eight-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8).

Objectives were to validate the new adherence scale and its prediction of hypertension control, compared to MMAS-8, and to assess adherence rates and factors.

Methodology.

A cross-sectional study, including 405 patients, was performed in outpatient cardiology clinics of three hospitals in Beirut.

Blood pressure was measured, a questionnaire filled, and sodium intake estimated by a urine test.

Logistic regression defined predictors of hypertension control and adherence.

Results.

54.9% had controlled hypertension.

82.4% were adherent by the new scale, which showed good internal consistency, adequate questions (KMO coefficient = 0.743), and four factors.

It predicted hypertension control (OR = 1.217; p value = 0.003), unlike MMAS-8, but the scores were correlated (ICC average measure = 0.651; p value < 0.001).

Stress and smoking predicted nonadherence.

Conclusion.

This study elaborated a validated, practical, and useful tool measuring adherence to medications in Lebanese hypertensive patients.