Effectiveness of Interventions To Enable Hypertension Medication Adherence In Low-And Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review And Meta-analysis

2021 
Background: In recent decades low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are witnessing an increase in hypertension and thus becoming a significant public health issue due to associated Cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. Antihypertensive medication adherence is crucial to controlling blood pressure; therefore, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions on improving blood pressure control and medication adherence in patients with hypertension in LMICs. Methods: We searched the following databases for relevant literature published between Jan 2005 – Dec 2020: PubMed, EBSCOhost included Academic Search; CINAHL and MEDLINE complete; PubMed; WEB of Science; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar. Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2) was used to appraise included studies critically, and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to measure the quality of evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis using DrSimonian-Laid's random-effect model at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The secondary outcomes of interests were synthesised descriptively as changes in BP adherence outcomes. This review is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42020172954. Findings: We identified 14 eligible randomised controlled trials that presented blood pressure (BP) effectiveness and medication adherence among BP patients aged between 18-75 years. The overall quality of evidence with the majority of trials was moderate. Meta weighed effect (SBP) for 12/14 studies was -4.74 (95% CI:-6.07 to -3.47) and I2 = 57%. Out of 14 eligible studies, (86%) suggested a significant improvement in the proportion of patients with controlled blood pressure (BP < 140/90mmHG) with a positive effect on secondary outcomes such as quality of life. Interpretation: Non-pharmacological interventions could be effective in managing hypertension. There is a need to investigate the feasibility of non-pharmacological evidence in specific LMIC settings. Considering heterogeneity, randomised trials that are well-designed with larger sample sizes are encouraged to help policymakers make well-informed decisions on hypertension management. Funding: None to declare. Declaration of Interest: None to declare.
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