Adherence to Antihypertensive Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Patients in the Republic of Kazakhstan
Markabayeva A. Kerimkulova A. Nurpeissova R. Zhussupova G. Umbetzhanova A. Zhunussova D. Idrisov A. Zhumagaliyeva A. Seidullayeva A. Utegenova A. Pivina L.
October 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
2025#22Issue 10
Background: Poor adherence to antihypertensive therapy is a major barrier to effective blood pressure control, particularly in countries with a high burden of non-communicable diseases. In Kazakhstan, improving adherence is a key objective of the “Densaulyk” State Health Program (2020–2025). Objective: To assess medication adherence among patients with arterial hypertension in Kazakhstan and identify associated socio-demographic and clinical factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among outpatient hypertensive patients at a major urban medical center. Adherence was measured using the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Socio-demographic characteristics, disease duration, and the number of prescribed medications were analyzed in relation to adherence levels. Results: Adherence was significantly associated with age, ethnicity, education, marital and financial status, disease duration, and treatment complexity. A notable share of participants demonstrated low to moderate adherence. The use of self-reported data may have introduced bias. Conclusions: Medication adherence in Kazakhstan is influenced by multiple interrelated factors. Targeted and culturally appropriate interventions—such as simplified regimens, digital tools, and broader access to subsidized drugs—are essential to improve long-term outcomes in hypertension management.
arterial hypertension , Kazakhstan , medication adherence , MMAS-8 , non-communicable diseases , public health policy
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Department of Family Medicine No. 2, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Beibitshilik Str. 49a, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Heart Rhythm Research Institute, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Beibitshilik Str. 49a, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of General Practice with the Course of Evidence-Based Medicine, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Beibitshilik Str. 49a, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Beibitshilik Str. 49a, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Microbiology and Virology, NJSC “Astana Medical University”, Beibitshilik Str. 49a, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Department of Emergency Medicine, NJSC “Semey Medical University”, Abay Str. 103, Semey, 071400, Kazakhstan
Department of Family Medicine No. 2
Heart Rhythm Research Institute
Department of General Practice with the Course of Evidence-Based Medicine
Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Department of Microbiology and Virology
Department of Emergency Medicine
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