2.2. Population and Sampling

A convenience sample of adult hypertensive patients attending GURH ambulatory clinic were invited. 423 patients were enrolled in study within two-month data collection period. The inclusion criteria were adult (≥18 year age) hypertensive patients regardless of stage and time since diagnosis, who started taking medication for reduction of blood pressure and visited hypertension outpatient ambulatory clinic from April to June 2016. Those patients who lack understanding of oral Amharic language and had severe physical or psychological problems as well as those who refused to participate were excluded. The two-month follow-up period was chosen for data collection to avoid duplication of the cases as patients return to the ambulatory clinic every two months.