Background:

Medication satisfaction is a patient-centered measure that helps predict the continuity of treatment, correct use and therapeutic compliance. The objective has been to evaluate the satisfaction with the treatment (ST) of subjects with arterial hypertension (HT) and find out if the type of treatment, the state of health and the personal characteristics are related to the satisfaction.

Methods:

Observational cross-sectional study conducted in the community pharmacy field. A total of 484 users of antihypertensive medication were evaluated (response rate: 81.6%). The ST was evaluated through the Treatment Satisfaction with Medicines. In the statistical analysis, means comparison and correlation tests were used to verify the existence of associations between the ST level and the different variables, considering a significance level of p<0.05. Likewise, a multiple linear regression model was constructed to identify the associated variables avoiding possible confounding factors.

Results:

In a range of 0-100 the mean ST value was 79.9 (SD=12.9, 95% CI= 78.8-81.0). A weak correlation was observed between perceived health score and ST (r= 0.145, p=0.001). ST was higher in subjects with controlled BP (82.1 ±12.1 SD vs 77.5 ±13.3 SD, p<0.001), in treated subjects over 5 years (83.5 ±12.8 SD vs 78.5 ±12.6 SD; p<0.001), in subjects without adverse effects (82.5 ±11.6 SD vs 68.7 ±11.9 SD; p<0.001) and in lower social classes (81.2 ±12.8 SD vs 78.5 ±12.8 SD, p=0.02). It was lower in the non-compliers with the treatment (73.2 ±12.9 vs 82.1 ±12.1, p<0.001).

Conclusions:

The ST level is acceptable, despite insufficient BP control and the high rate of noncompliance. Satisfaction is conditioned both by effectiveness and by therapeutic adherence, although health status, treatment and personal characteristics also intervene.

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