[Determinant factors of therapeutic compliance in elderly hypertensive patients].
BACKGROUND
In Chile, less than 30% of treated hypertensive patients achieve normal blood pressure values. Lack of compliance with treatment may influence the lack of success of treatments.


OBJECTIVE
To identify determinant treatment compliance factors, according to the Health Belief Model, in elderly hypertensive patients.


METHODS
A stratified and randomized sample with 245 elderly hypertensive patients, participating in the Cardiovascular Program of the San Pedro de la Paz Health Center in Chile, was studied. Modified Miller's Health Behavior Scale to measure therapeutic compliance and Health Belief Questionnaire to measure independent factors influencing compliance, were applied. Data analysis was done with Student's, test ANOVA and linear regression.


RESULTS
Eight of 23 factors were predictors of compliance: gender, occupational activity, smoking, modification of health behaviors, difficulties to take medications, perception of treatment effectiveness, knowledge and perception about hypertension.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about factors that influence therapeutic compliance allows to modify health care programs and improve their effectiveness.
Departamento de Enfermería, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Chile. smendoza@udec.cl
Sara
S
Mendoza P
Mónica
M
Muñoz P
José M
JM
Merino E
Omar A
OA
Barriga
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002677:Chile; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents