Maximizing medication adherence in low-income hypertensives: a pilot study.
A pilot study was conducted to examine the association between free medication and comprehensive care on blood pressure control for 60 adults with uncontrolled essential hypertension (mean blood pressure = 157/96 mm Hg) referred from a variety of primary care clinics at a public teaching hospital. Subjects received comprehensive care, free antihypertensive medication dispensed in the clinic, and patient education regarding hypertension and medication compliance. Matched-pair t-tests revealed average drops in blood pressure of 22 mm Hg systolic and 13 mm Hg diastolic for the entire sample from baseline to 6 months post-enrollment (both P's < .001). The comprehensive hypertension management program with education and free medication was significantly related to reduced blood pressure across the 6 months of the study period.
Applegate
B W
BW
Department of Family Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
Ames
S C
SC
Mehan
D J
DJ
McKnight
G T
GT
Jones
G N
GN
Brantley
P J
PJ
D000328:Adult; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011203:Poverty
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents