Therapeutic adherence of hypertensive patients in primary health care

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is a chronic disease and the leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, representing a major public health problem. Objectives: To describe the therapeutic adherence of hypertensive patients being followed up in Primary Health Care. Methodology: A descriptive, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 332 subjects. Data were collected using a questionnaire for sociodemographic and clinical characterization, the Measure Treatment Adherence Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Version, and a questionnaire on dietary care. Results: The results show a high medication adherence (mean 5.63±0.46), poor adherence to physical activity (mean 2939.05±5538.85) and good adherence to dietary care. Conclusion: The nursing consultation is a useful tool to empower hypertensive patients, enabling a personalized health promotion to improve therapeutic adherence.