Analysis of Factors Affecting Medication Adherence in Patients with Hypertension in South Korea

OBJECTIVES: This study primarily focuses on identifying the factors that affect medication adherence in patients with hypertension in South Korea. Additionally, we will examine whether there are differences in healthcare utilization and expenditures depending on medication adherence prescribed by physicians. Furthermore, the study aims to provide statistical evidence to inform policy implications.

METHODS: This study utilized survey data conducted from 2020 to 2021 from Korea Health Panel(KHP), a large scale survey in South Korea that collects and analyzes medical and health information from general population. Subjects were diagnosed with hypertension. They were divided into two groups based on medication compliance: the adherence and the non-adherence group. To examine the genereal characteristics, chi-square test(χ²), t-test, ANOVA were conducted. Logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing medication adherence, and an OLS regression model was applied to examine the impact on medical expenditure.

RESULTS: Main results are as follows. First, among subjects prescribed medication for hypertension(N=3,038), 5.83% were non-adherent, while 94.17% were adherent. Second, It was found that the variables (gender, marital status, private clinic) were identified as factors influencing medication adherence. Third, the adherence group($188) spent more on medical expenses per year for hypertension treatment compared to the non-adherence group($137). The adherent group (30.9 visits/year) had higher healthcare utilization compared to the non-adherent group (28.3 visits/year)

CONCLUSIONS: This study aimed to assess medication adherence and identify influencing factors in hypertension management. Additionally, it aimed to provide empirical evidence on the ripple effects of medication adherence by analyzing differences in healthcare utilization and medical expenditure based on adherence status. The results showed the factors influencing medication adherence is crucial for hypertension treatment. Despite higher healthcare expenditures in the adherent group, the non-adherent group had higher costs in resource-intensive healthcare settings. Policymakers should consider strategies to support patients in enhancing adherence, particularly focusing on the identified factors