PM258 The effects of compound 21 on L-NAME-induced hypertension in rats

Introduction: Experience with patients shows that, prescribed drugs for treating hypertension disease fail to work effectively, causing high mortality rates in Tanzania. This situation has resulted into query as to why the situation exists. Objectives: The study was conducted to investigate factors affecting failure of hypertension drugs among patients suffering from the disease. Particularly, the study aimed at examining cultural, individual and financial factors affecting drug failure among Tanzania patients. Methods: The sample consisted of 300 respondents from Afya Medicare Specialized clinic and Morogoro Referral Hospital in Tanzania. Questionnaires were distributed and interviews were conducted to patients and their care takers, doctors and nurses in both health centers. Results: The study revealed that, the drugs fail to provide relief to the patients because of the negative attitude towards the consumption of the drugs, in the belief that the disease affects only rich people and developed countries. Moreover, it was found out that, some of the respondents associate the disease with witchcraft, hence, seek alternative drugs, and that, early and frequent usage of the drugs only worsens their condition. In addition to that, it was discovered that, in some cases, the drugs do not work effectively due to financial difficulty and failure to follow instructions as directed by their doctors. Conclusion: From the findings it was concluded that, education should be provided to the patients as well as their caretakers on the fact that the disease can affect anyone and emphasize on preventive measures. Along with this, heavy investment is needed to create awareness to cardiovascular diseases among the population, by individuals, organizations and the government of Tanzania so as to seek solution to the problem. Investment should also aim at supporting patients who cannot afford to buy the drugs in order to reduce high death rates resulting from inability of the patients to afford the drugs. Disclosure of Interest: None Declared