Impact of Medication Non-compliance among Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients in Jordan: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: While medication non-compliance for hypertension (HTN) and type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients drives poor outcomes globally, its specific clinical and financial impact in Jordan is poorly quantified. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of medication noncompliance, quantify its effect on hospitalization rates and costs, and assess the role of sociodemographic factors in a Jordanian patient cohort. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a major Jordanian hospital from 2022 to 2023. A final sample of 159 patients with HTN and/or T2DM was followed for one year. Participants were classified as compliant (n = 86) or non-compliant (n = 73) based on patient self-reports and pharmacy refill data. Hospitalization rates, intensive care unit admissions, and sociodemographic data were compared between groups. Results: The prevalence of poor compliance was 45.9% (n = 73). Poor compliance was strongly associated with hospitalization (p < 0.001). Non-compliant patients had significantly higher rates of floor admissions (82.6% vs. 16.4%) and intensive care unit admissions (37.2% vs. 0%) compared to the compliant group (n = 86). This resulted in substantially higher healthcare costs. After statistical adjustment, poor compliance was the most powerful independent predictor of hospital admission (Adjusted Odds Ratio 45.78), while baseline sociodemographic factors were not significantly associated with admission. Discussion: Our findings highlight that medication non-compliance is a major cause of hospitalizations and escalating healthcare costs in Jordan. The prevalence of non-adherence observed in our cohort (45.9%) aligns with trends reported in neighboring regional studies. Consequently, further research into the specific socio-behavioral barriers to adherence is essential. conclusion: Medication non-compliance in chronic disease patients significantly elevates Jordans hospitalization rates and healthcare costs. Targeted interventions focusing on education, simplified regimens, and enhanced communication can improve compliance and reduce the healthcare burden Conclusion: Medication non-compliance is a prevalent and critical driver of preventable hospital admissions and high healthcare costs among Jordanian patients with HTN and T2DM. These findings underscore an urgent need for targeted interventions to improve compliance and reduce the associated healthcare burden.