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Reasons for adherence with antihypertensive medication
S Svensson1, K I Kjellgren, J Ahlner
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, SE-413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden. staffan.svensson@pharm.gu.se
International Journal of Cardiology
|December 6, 2000
Summary
Understanding patient adherence to hypertension medication is key. Patients adhere due to trust, fear of complications, and desire for control, while non-adherence stems from life facilitation or side effect avoidance.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- General Practice
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Hypertension control is often suboptimal in clinical practice.
- Poor patient adherence to antihypertensive therapy is a significant contributing factor.
- Underlying reasons for non-adherence remain largely unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hypertensive patients' self-reported reasons for adherence to and non-adherence with antihypertensive medication.
- To explore patient perspectives on medical advice regarding hypertension therapy.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 33 hypertensive patients.
- Interviews conducted in general practice and specialist hypertension settings in Southern Sweden.
- Objective measures included blood pressure and laboratory medication level assessments.
Main Results:
- Nineteen of 33 patients were classified as adherent.
- Adherence drivers included physician trust, fear of complications, and blood pressure control desire.
- Non-adherence was an active choice, influenced by life facilitation, side effect management, and condition/medication misunderstandings.
Conclusions:
- Patient interviews effectively reveal concepts and behaviors related to hypertension management.
- Establishing a therapeutic alliance is crucial for optimizing hypertension treatment.
- Addressing patient doubts and difficulties through effective physician-patient communication is vital.