Factors affecting hypertension treatment compliance in Cirebon

Abstract

Aim

Hypertension is becoming a global problem as its prevalence rises yearly. Compliance with hypertension treatment is one of the keys to successful hypertension management. This study aims to identify the factors that affect hypertension treatment compliance in Cirebon.

Method

The study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The population was Cirebon City residents with hypertension. We used a convenience sampling technique to select samples who met the inclusion criteria, i.e., on antihypertensive drugs and aged 26–55. A total of 434 people participated in the study. The variables studied were compliance, gender, age, education, long-term hypertension, and family support. We collected the data using an online questionnaire and used the Chi-Square test in the bivariate analysis. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS)-8 questionnaire and the family support questionnaire passed the validity and reliability tests with a Cronbach alpha of 0.71 and 0.88. The research ethics committee of the Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Pelita Harapan, granted the ethical clearance.

Results

The majority of respondents were women (59.7%), aged 46–55 years (53.2%), had a medium level of education (42.2%), suffered from hypertension for more than five years (54.8%), lived with their families (95.6%), accessed treatments from the community health centre (64.3%), travelled for 15–30 min to reach health facilities (52.1%) and had moderate family support (54.1%). The results showed that 287 (66.1%) respondents’ compliance with hypertension treatment was low. Age (p-value 0.001), education (p-value 0.001), long-term hypertension (p-value 0.001), and family support (p-value 0.001) modulated the compliance. Meanwhile, gender (p-value 0.690) did not affect hypertension treatment compliance.

Conclusion

Emotional, financial, and informational support from family members is crucial in caring for a person with hypertension; hence, it should be optimised.