Effects of drug use reminder sms on controlling hypertension in elderlies: A clinical trial study

Abstract

Introduction: Following the drug use pattern is among the important factors in treating hypertension. Elderly people often have low adherence to blood pressure medication. Forgetfulness seems to be one of the most important reasons for non-adherence to medication and ultimately for lack of control of blood pressure in the elderly. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sending drug use reminder SMS on controlling the blood pressure in elderlies. Materials and Methods: The present randomized-clinical trial study was conducted on 100 elderlies suffering from hypertension who referred to blood pressure clinics in Kerman city (Iran) in 2017. Blood pressure of the subjects was measured before the intervention. In the first, second, and third months, a drug use reminder SMS was sent to intervention group twice a day, twice a week, and once a month, respectively. In the control group, no SMS was sent. Before the intervention, and after the first, second, and third months of intervention, the blood pressure of subjects was controlled and recorded. Results: The mean age of subjects was 64.72 years old and the mean age of morbidity was 6.46 years. Before the intervention, no significant difference was observed between two groups in terms of blood pressure. Relatively, one month after the intervention, a significant difference between the two groups was observed in terms of diastolic blood pressure (P=0.0001). In the second and third months after the intervention, there was a significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure (P=0.0001). Conclusion: Sending drug use reminder SMS to elderlies can control the systole and diastolic blood pressure.