Patients' beliefs and attitudes towards hypertension and its treatment: a rural practice pilot study

An action research study was carried out to comprehend reasons for poor blood pressure control and to explore ways to disperse commonly-held myths in a rural community in northern Greece.

Registered patients under antihypertensive treatment, with a routine follow-up appointment in a primary health care center, were surveyed with the use of an original questionnaire.

Patients' satisfaction with blood pressure management did not reflect actual control within the targeted levels, whereas only 4 out of 10 patients had good levels of blood pressure. Patients with a lower educational level stated that a morning pill should not be taken before a laboratory blood test.

Primary health care providers are urged to view hypertension through their patients' "eyes" in order to provide more effective patient-centered care.