[Use of medication for hypertension and coronary heart disease by Russian immigrants]
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1Dept. of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheba.
Insights
Recent immigrants from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) initially used hypertension and heart disease medications intermittently. Family physician intervention encouraged continuous, effective treatment adherence for better health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Immigration Health
Background:
- Recent immigrants from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) often have different medication adherence patterns.
- Previous treatment protocols in CIS countries for hypertension and coronary heart disease differed from Western practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the medication adherence of recent immigrants from CIS countries during their first year in Israel.
- To understand the transition in treatment protocols for hypertension and coronary heart disease post-immigration.
Main Methods:
- Study included 397 recent immigrants from 14 CIS republics during 1990-1991.
- Data collected on previous medication use in CIS and current treatment patterns in Israel.
- Physician intervention as a factor in treatment adherence was observed.
Main Results:
- Over 75% of immigrants used hypertension medication intermittently (2-4 weeks) in CIS.
- Prophylactic drugs for coronary heart disease were used similarly intermittently, only during symptomatic periods.
- Immigrants initially continued intermittent use in Israel until physician intervention prompted continuous treatment.
Conclusions:
- Immigrants from CIS countries exhibited suboptimal, intermittent medication use for chronic conditions.
- Family physician intervention is crucial for improving treatment adherence and long-term health management in immigrant populations.
- Transitioning to continuous medication regimens is vital for managing hypertension and coronary heart disease effectively.
Abstract:
397 recent immigrants (olim) were under medical treatment at a primary care clinic during their first year (1990-1991) after immigration to Israel (aliya) from 14 republics of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS, formerly the Soviet Union). While in the CIS 3/4 had used medication for hypertension intermittently for only 2-4 weeks, whenever blood pressure was elevated. More than 3/4 took prophylactic drugs for coronary heart disease only when chest pain appeared and for only approximately 4 weeks, in contrast with continuous, prolonged treatment used in Israel and western countries. Immigrants brought with them stocks of drugs and continued to take them intermittently as they had in the CIS. This form of treatment is described in the official pharmacology book. Only after intervention of the family physician did the immigrants begin to take their drugs for hypertension and coronary heart disease continuously.