Frequency and predictors of non-compliance to dietary recommendations among hypertensive patients.
Compliance to dietary recommendations among hypertensive people is a major health care issue. Non-compliance can nullify the effects of even the most scientific and optimum treatment plan. The main aim of this study was to determine the frequency and predictors of non-adherence in our region. We also investigated the possible factors based on patient opinions that could increase compliance. A sample of 400 adult patients, diagnosed with hypertension for at least 3 years, who visited Civil Hospital during the time period April-June 2013 were included in this cross sectional study. Patient data and opinions were collected by two trained interviewers using a pre-coded questionnaire. Compliance was assessed based on patients self report. More than three quarters (n = 310, 77.5%) of the hypertensive patients were non-compliant. More than one social gathering in a week, peer-influence, no friends to follow the recommended diet plan and lack of believe regarding diet as an effective measure to control blood pressure were found to be the significant predictors of non-compliance (P values <0.0001). Counseling was thought to be the most effective way by the patients to increase adherence. Non-compliance to dietary recommendations is a major problem prevalent especially in Pakistan. There is an urgent need for doctors and nurses to counsel their patients effectively to prevent future morbidities and mortalities because of non-compliance.
Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), 109/2 Khayabane Amir Khusro Phase 6 DHA, Karachi, Pakistan, shahzebkhan@gmail.com.
Muhammad Shahzeb
MS
Khan
Faizan Imran
FI
Bawany
Arslan
A
Mirza
Mehwish
M
Hussain
Asadullah
A
Khan
Muhammad Nawaz
MN
Lashari
D000367:Age Factors; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000592:standards*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012919:Social Behavior