A comparative study to monitor drug adherence to antihypertensive drugs among preeclamptic women and to determine factors contributing to drug compliance restrictions.

Abstract

Background Preeclampsia, a perilous pregnancy complication, affects 4–5% of pregnancies worldwide, contributing to a significant proportion of maternal deaths, particularly due to pregnancy-related hypertension diseases. Adherence to antihypertensive medication is crucial for improving maternal and fetal health outcomes. However, evidence suggests that pregnant women often fail to comply with prescribed regimens, with reasons ranging from ignorance to amnesia. Methods This study proposes a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based approach to assess drug adherence among pregnant patients with preeclampsia in rural areas. The study aims to evaluate awareness levels and barriers to adherence. The study will be conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital and will involve 114 eligible patients. Sociodemographic data, diagnosis, medication details, awareness about antihypertensive use, and medication adherence will be collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The 8-Item Morisky’s Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) will be employed to assess adherence levels. Data analysis will involve descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Expected results The study anticipates revealing insights into the level of drug adherence and awareness among pregnant women with preeclampsia. By identifying barriers to adherence, the study aims to tailor interventions to enhance compliance, reduce costs, and optimize drug therapy. The dissemination of results through publication in indexed journals and presentation at scientific conferences will contribute to the understanding of medication adherence in pregnancy-related disorders.