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Factors affecting adherence to antihypertensive medication in Greece: results from a qualitative study

Vassiliki Tsiantou1, Polina Pantzou, Elpida Pavi

  • 1Department of Health Economics, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece;

Patient Preference and Adherence
|September 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Many patients struggle with adhering to hypertension treatment due to various factors. Understanding patient beliefs about hypertension and its management is key to improving medication adherence.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Health Psychology

Background:

  • Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  • Non-adherence to antihypertensive treatment affects at least 75% of patients.
  • Adherence is influenced by demographic, organizational, psychological, and disease/medication-related factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore hypertensive patients' beliefs regarding hypertension.
  • To understand patient perspectives on antihypertensive treatments.
  • To identify factors influencing medication adherence.

Main Methods:

  • Content analysis of semistructured interviews and focus group transcripts.
  • Extraction of participant beliefs about hypertension and its treatment.
  • Assessment of attitudes towards patient-physician and patient-pharmacist relationships.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension perceived as a serious condition, linked to stroke and myocardial infarction.
  • Concerns about medication side effects and safety were prevalent.
  • Factors like disease acceptance, systematic management, and patient-doctor relationships facilitated adherence; stopping treatment upon perceived BP control hindered it.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive and communication factors significantly impact medication adherence in hypertensive patients.
  • Findings can inform the development of targeted interventions to enhance treatment adherence.
  • Improving patient-physician communication is crucial for better adherence outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
antihypertensive medicinedoctor–patient communicationhypertensionmedication adherencepatient compliance

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