OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to identify important factors that may influence hypertensive patients' compliance with treatment from the patient's perspective. METHODS: This qualitative study was carried out at a university hospital in Singapore. Hypertensive patients over 21 years old and who have been treated for over 3 months were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. In the interview, participants were asked about their experience in following the treatment. The Morisky scale was used to measure patient's compliance score. RESULTS: Most of the participants exhibited a positive attitude toward hypertension, claiming that their lifestyle was normal and not influenced by hypertension. Participants were aware of the importance of compliance with medication and risks of uncontrolled hypertension; despite some participants did not know the normal value of blood pressure. Forgetfulness was found as an important factor to affect patients' compliance. Other potentially influencing factors included an unsatisfactory clinical encounter, such as physician's time constraints during consultation, long waiting time in clinic and refilling prescriptions. The cost of treatment was another factor, especially among retiree participants. CONCLUSION: Participants showed a strong willingness to control their blood pressure. Patients have been given adequate knowledge about the risks of hypertension. Strategies to counter negative influencing factors (such as unsatisfactory clinical encounter and cost of treatment) should be developed to improve patients' compliance with medication for better clinical and economic outcomes.