Abstract

SCHMIDT RIO-VALLE, J. et al. Treatment adherence of hypertensive patients: a qualitative study. Index Enferm [online]. 2006, vol.15, n.54, pp.25-29. ISSN 1699-5988.

The prevalence of hypertension among adults in Spain reaches around 25%. Health professionals have many therapeutic means at their disposal and know all hygienic and dietetic measures needed to keep arterial levels within normality. Non-adherence to therapy is a common observable fact in all chronic processes. Concerning arterial hypertension, non-adherence percentages reach alarming levels: nearly 40% non-adherence to drug treatment and between 60-90% non-adherence to hygienic and dietetic measures. So far, little is known about patients' expectations and opinions about hypertension and its treatment. To deal with this subject, a qualitative study was designed based on the focal groups' technique. The aim was to identify adherence difficulties according to patients, as well as other factors related to this phenomenon. We have detected treatment adherence difficulties, mainly due to a lack of individual treatments, measures and application methods. We believe it is essential for health professionals to optimize their relations with their patients.