Family support and adherence in the treatment of hypertension

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, is a health problem that increases when the patient has no family support.

Objective: To examine the influence of family support in the compliance or adherence of the treatment of Hypertension.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was con­ducted in hypertensive patients who attended the National Institute of Cardiology (INCICh) in Mexico City, gathering information was through a ques­tionnaire that expressly included two sections one for patients and one for relatives of patients.

Results: 234 hypertensive patients INCICh over 20 years old were studied, 64% were married, 47.7% cohabiting with their spouse and 33% with his daughter(o) , 88 % have a nuclear family, 131 (56% ) are uncontrolled patients (47 % female and 57% male ) 103 (44%) controlled (54% female and 46% male) . With respect to family support, 84 % live with a family and only 79% is in daily contact with the patient, in terms of drug addiction, 56% reminds you to take medication, 82% of the drug is performed by the patient and 76% helps your family unders­tand the doctor’s instructions. Family support variables in which a statistically significant associa­tion was that hypertension should measure blood pressure at home and you must take your diet and when the patient does not follow the threat of the risks found.

Discussion: Adherence to treatment is linked directly with the support that you grant the family sick.

Conclusions: The success of treatment depends mainly on the attachment, but the family support plays an important role.