title: From resistance to rescue--patients' shifting attitudes to antihypertensives: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of experiences of antihypertensive drug treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interview study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A primary health care centre in western Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative interviews and analyses through systematic text condensation described by Malterud.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten informants in pharmacological treatment for high blood pressure (six men and four women).
  
  
  METHODS
  Experiences of hypertension drug treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings revealed a process starting with resistance to drug treatment related to lack of control, side effects, and unwanted awareness of impaired health. These negative feelings then changed into a positive desire for lifestyle changes caused by a fear of cardiovascular disease which in turn changed the attitude towards drugs into seeing them as a rescue remedy and something normal and this then evoked health care trust.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite initial resistance to treatment, the experience of antihypertensive drug treatment became more positive with time. Confidence in the health care system is important for adherence to treatment. General practitioners have a key role in this regard.
authors.affiliation: Primary Health Care Center , Floda , Sweden.
authors.forename: Fredrik
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hultgren
authors.forename: Grethe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jonasson
authors.forename: Annika
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Billhult
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004351:Drug Resistance; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000959:Antihypertensive Agents
keywords: Attitude to health; Sweden; general practice; health behaviour; hypertension; patient acceptance of health care; patient compliance; process