Maximizing medication adherence in low-income hypertensives: a pilot study

A pilot study was conducted to examine the association between free medication and comprehensive care on blood pressure control for 60 adults with uncontrolled essential hypertension (mean blood pressure = 157/96 mm Hg) referred from a variety of primary care clinics at a public teaching hospital. Subjects received comprehensive care, free antihypertensive medication dispensed in the clinic, and patient education regarding hypertension and medication compliance. Matched-pair t-tests revealed average drops in blood pressure of 22 mm Hg systolic and 13 mm Hg diastolic for the entire sample from baseline to 6 months post-enrollment (both P's < .001). The comprehensive hypertension management program with education and free medication was significantly related to reduced blood pressure across the 6 months of the study period.