TITLE:
Therapeutic Adherence among Hypertensive Outpatients Followed in the Cardiology Department of Grand Yoff General Hospital (HOGGY)
AUTHORS:
Ngoné Diaba Gaye, Joseph Salvador Mingou, Amadou Gangue, Malick Ndiaye, Marguerite Tening Diouf, Lamine Ly, Seydina Oumar Gueye, Mamadou Adama Thiam, Alassane Mbaye, Abdoul Kane, Aliou Alassane Ngaïdé
KEYWORDS:
Hypertension, Therapeutic Adherence, Girerd Test, Blood Pressure Control, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.16 No.8,
August
26,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Hypertension is one of the main modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and remains insufficiently controlled despite the availability of effective treatments. Therapeutic adherence is a major determinant of blood pressure control, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where healthcare costs, irregular access to medication and the use of traditional treatments may compromise continuity of care. This study aimed to assess therapeutic adherence among hypertensive outpatients, describe the socioeconomic characteristics of the study population, estimate adherence levels, and explore bivariate associations between adherence and selected patient characteristics. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study conducted from 7 August to 6 October 2017 in the outpatient cardiology department of Grand Yoff General Hospital in Dakar. Patients with known hypertension for at least six months, followed as outpatients, able to take their medication without assistance and who agreed to participate were included. Sampling was exhaustive, and the final sample comprised 99 patients. Sociodemographic, clinical and anthropometric data, lifestyle habits, comorbidities, complications, use of traditional treatment and blood pressure control were collected. Adherence was assessed using the six-item Girerd test (0 positive responses: good adherence; 1 - 2: minor adherence problems; ≥3: poor adherence). Bivariate comparisons were assessed using Pearson’s chi-square test, with statistical significance set at 5%. Results: Mean age was 61.4 ± 11.6 years, and women accounted for 66.7% of the study population. Most patients came from Dakar (90.6%), and 64.3% had a monthly income of 60,000 CFA francs or less. Mean BMI was 26.6 ± 5.9 kg/m2; 34.7% were overweight and 26.5% were obese. Mean systolic blood pressure was 150.1 ± 20.3 mmHg, and systolic blood pressure was controlled in 35.4% of patients. Treatment discontinuation was reported by 43.4% and use of traditional treatment by 32.3%. According to the Girerd test, 45.5% had good adherence, 45.5% had minor adherence problems and 9.1% had poor adherence. Conclusion: Therapeutic adherence was overall intermediate, with insufficient blood pressure control. Improving adherence requires strengthened therapeutic education, simplification of prescriptions, better financial accessibility to treatment and a more structured patient-provider relationship.