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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Self-care and adherence to medication: a survey in the hypertension outpatient clinic

Authors: Faekah Gohar, Sheila M Greenfield, D Gareth Beevers, Gregory YH Lip, Kate Jolly

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Self-care practices for patients with hypertension include adherence to medication, use of blood pressure self-monitoring and use of complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) The prevalence of CAM use and blood pressure self-monitoring have not been described in a UK secondary care population of patients with hypertension and their impact on adherence to medication has not been described. Adherence to medication is important for blood pressure control, but poor adherence is common. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-care behaviours in patients attending a secondary care hypertension clinic.

Methods

Cross-sectional questionnaire survey. 196 patients attending a secondary care hypertension clinic in a teaching hospital serving a multiethnic population, Birmingham, UK. Main outcome measures: Prevalence of use of CAM, home monitors, adherence to anti-hypertensive medication.

Results

CAM use in previous 12 months was reported by 66 (43.1%) respondents. CAM users did not differ statistically from non-CAM users by age, gender, marital status or education. Vitamins, prayer a dietary supplements were the most commonly used CAM. Nine (12.7%) women reported using herbal CAM compared to one man (1.2%), (p = 0.006). Ten (6.7%) respondents reported ever being asked by a doctor about CAM use. Perfect adherence to anti-hypertensive medication was reported by 26 (44.8%) CAM-users and 46 (60.5%) non-CAM users (p = 0.07). Being female and a CAM user was significantly associated with imperfect adherence to anti-hypertensive medication. Older and white British respondents were significantly more likely to report perfect adherence. Blood pressure monitors were used by 67 (43.8%) respondents, which was not associated with gender, CAM use or adherence to medication.

Conclusion

Hypertensive patients use a variety of self-care methods, including CAM, home blood pressure monitors, and adherence to prescribed medication. This study found the prevalence of CAM use in hypertensive patients was higher than in the UK population. It is important to acknowledge the self-care behaviour of hypertensive patients, in order to assess potential harm, and encourage effective methods of self-care.
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Metadata
Title
Self-care and adherence to medication: a survey in the hypertension outpatient clinic
Authors
Faekah Gohar
Sheila M Greenfield
D Gareth Beevers
Gregory YH Lip
Kate Jolly
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-8-4

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