Health behaviours and beliefs among Malawian adults taking antihypertensive medication and antiretroviral therapy: A qualitative study

In order to understand HIV-positive Malawian adults' experiences with hypertension management, we conducted qualitative interviews with 30 hypertensive adults who were also taking antiretroviral therapy. These interviews regarding hypertension management behaviours and beliefs were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and coded in Atlas.ti. Despite acknowledging the dangers of hypertension and the benefits of medication, many respondents missed their antihypertensive medication. Primary reasons included feeling healthy, health workers' advice to stop taking medicine when blood pressure normalised, side effects, and using herbs or non-prescription medicines to manage hypertension. Women highlighted difficulties with dietary modifications, and changes in their social relationships. Both men and women spoke about hypertension-related challenges with employment and household economics. These results suggest numerous challenges among adults managing hypertension and HIV in Malawi, and frequent suboptimal adherence to medication. We identified new key themes - the quality of adherence counselling for antihypertensive medication, the effects of hypertension on financial stability, and the role of social relationships in self-care - and encourage further investigation into these topics in low-income, high-burden countries.

Automated summary

HIV-positive Malawian adults face various challenges in managing hypertension, with many respondents struggling to adhere to medication. Women encountered difficulties with dietary modifications and social relationships, while both men and women highlighted the impact of hypertension on employment and household economics.