Influence of psychosocial factors on adherence to antihypertensive drug therapy. Results from a Cardiovascular Health Program cohort followed in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile Influencia de factores psicosociales en la adherencia al tratamient

Abstract

© 2014, Sociedad Medica de Santiago. All rights reserved.Background: Inadequate blood pressure control in hypertensive patients remains a persistent health problem in Chile and worldwide. Poor adherence to antihypertensive drug therapy is one of the frequently cited factors. Objectives: To determine the influence of psychosocial factors in the adherence to drug therapy in hypertensive patients followed through a Cardiovascular Health Program (CHP) that provides free access to primary care centers located in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile. Methods: Cross sectional study. A randomized sample of 513 hypertensive patients (30 to 68 years) was obtained from a universe of 1.484 patients. Adherence to treatment was determined by the Morisky-Green-Levine test. Demographic, socioeconomic and average values of blood pressure were recorded. Validated questionnaires were utilized to assess the patient-physician relationship, awareness of being hypertensive, patient perception of social