Factors associated to the adherence to the non-pharmachological treatment of hypertension in primary health care

Abstract

Objectives: to evaluate the factors associated to the adherence to the non-pharmacological treatment of hypertension in primary health care. Methods: cross-sectional study with 421 participants. The adherence was evaluated using the components: weight control, abdominal circumference, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. The chi-squared and Mann-Whitney’s tests were used for analysis. Results: the adherence to the control of the abdominal circumference was associated to smoking, sex, and stress. Smoking, age, and profession were associated to weight control. The adherence to a physical activity varied between the sexes and between people who used beta blockers and those who did not. Moderate alcohol consumption was associated to sex, age, profession, income, comorbidities, time using antihypertensive drugs, and using other medication. Conclusions: socioeconomic and clinical factors were associated to the adherence to the anti-hypertensive treatment. Innovative techniques, such as the transtheoretical model of change, motivational interviews, and supported self-care can help in behavioral changes.