English abstract
The prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in Oman is alarmingly high and patient adherence
to antihypertensive medications is inadequate. This study aimed to assess the relationship between medication
adherence and health beliefs among Omani patients with HTN. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional
pilot study was conducted in December 2015 and included 45 patients with HTN recruited from four primary
health centres in Al Dakhiliyah and Muscat governorates, Oman. Medication adherence and health beliefs were
assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, Brief
Illness Perception Questionnaire and the revised Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale. Results: The mean
MMAS score was 5.3 ± 2.0, with 48.9% of patients reporting high adherence. Higher self-efficacy and stronger
beliefs regarding medication necessity were significantly related to adherence (P = 0.012 and 0.028, respectively).
