Anti-hypertensive treatment and lifestyle compliance on Praslin Island, Seychelles

Abstract

Ensuring patients' compliance with treatment to effectively manage hypertension remains a major challenge to public health in the Seychelles. Non-compliance with treatment is the most important single reason for uncontrolled hypertension. Thus it is essential to identify factors that influence adherence negatively, and to develop strategies to improve compliance. This quantitative, descriptive and correlation study identified and explained factors associated with treatment compliance among diagnosed hypertensive patients attending outpatient clinics on the Island of Praslin, Seychelles. The results indicate a high prevalence of obesity and uncontrolled hypertension. Reasons for anti-hypertensive treatment non-compliance include patients' preferences for and beliefs in herbal medications, alcohol abuse, failure to stop smoking and/or to lose weight and disregard for dietary restrictions of salt and animal fat. The research results can be used to devise strategies to enhance patients' compliance with their anti-hypertensive treatment and lifestyle adaptations in the Seychelles.