[Prevention and patient's compliance. Two key factors to deal with non communicable chronic diseases]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Health Behavior Science

Background:

• Over 50% of adults in Chile exhibit high cardiovascular risk, posing a significant threat to public health.
• Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) risk surpassing healthcare system capacity due to escalating prevalence.
• Urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies for cardiovascular risk factors in the Chilean population.

Discussion:

• Low patient compliance with prescribed treatments significantly undermines the efficacy of chronic disease management.
• Interventions such as simplifying medication regimens and implementing complex behavioral programs are crucial for enhancing treatment adherence.
• The "Mírame" program in Chile demonstrates promising results in risk factor prevention, highlighting the potential of targeted public health initiatives.

Key Insights:

• Simplifying daily medication doses is a primary strategy to improve patient compliance in chronic treatment programs.
• Complex behavioral interventions are equally vital for boosting adherence and managing chronic conditions effectively.
• Empowering patients in their own care and integrating social and behavioral sciences into medical education are essential for modifying health behaviors.

Outlook:

• Further research into patient-centered care models can enhance engagement and long-term adherence to treatment plans.
• Expanding successful public health programs like "Mírame" nationwide could mitigate the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases.
• Integrating behavioral and social sciences into medical curricula is critical for equipping future healthcare professionals to address complex health behaviors.