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Disparities in adherence to hypertensive care in urban ambulatory settings

Chima D Ndumele1, Shimon Shaykevich, Deborah Williams

  • 1Alpert School of Medicine, Department of Community Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.

Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved
|February 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension treatment adherence varies by race and income. African Americans and lower-income individuals show lower adherence to medication regimens, requiring targeted interventions for better blood pressure control.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Hypertension disproportionately affects medically underserved populations.
  • Poor adherence to therapies, including medication and lifestyle changes, is linked to inadequate blood pressure control.
  • Understanding adherence differences across demographic groups is crucial for effective hypertension management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether racial/ethnic and socioeconomic characteristics are associated with adherence to hypertension therapies.
  • To identify specific barriers to adherence among different patient groups.

Main Methods:

  • A survey was administered to 141 African American and non-Hispanic White hypertensive patients in urban hospital-based clinics.
  • Adherence to medication regimens, dietary recommendations, and follow-up appointments was assessed.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in adherence to follow-up appointments or dietary recommendations were found between racial/ethnic or income groups.
  • African Americans and lower-income patients were significantly more likely to be non-adherent to medication regimens.
  • These findings highlight disparities in medication adherence for hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted interventions are needed to improve medication adherence among African Americans and low-income hypertensive patients.
  • Healthcare providers should pay special attention to these groups when developing treatment plans and adherence strategies.
  • Addressing socioeconomic and racial disparities is essential for equitable hypertension care.

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