Factores asociados a la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico de adultos con hipertensión arterial de las parroquias rurales de Azogues en el periodo septiembre 2024-febrero 2025.

Abstract

Background: The high prevalence rates of hypertension (HTN) are a cause for concern. One of the main contributing factors is poor adherence to antihypertensive treatment. Objective: To analyze the factors associated with adherence to drug treatment among adults with hypertension in the rural parishes of Azogues during the period September 2024 – February 2025. Methodology: An observational, analytical, quantitative, and cross-sectional study was conducted in eight rural parishes in Azogues, with a sample of 266 hypertensive patients. Two surveys were administered: the Morisky-8 Scale and another titled “Factors Associated with Adherence to Pharmacological Treatment.” Results: The findings showed that 68% of the participants were women, with an average age of 72 years; 49.6% had completed primary school, 73.7% were married, and 62.4% were housewives. Regarding treatment adherence, 65.4% showed a low level of adherence, while only 1.5% achieved a high level of adherence to treatment. A statistically significant association was found between occupation (p = 0.02) and treatment adherence. Factors that promoted adherence were those related to the healthcare provider (47.4%) and the patient (83.1%). In contrast, socioeconomic factors (40.6%) and treatment-related factors (53%) did not promote adherence. Conclusions: These findings reveal the significant challenge posed by the treatment of HTN in rural areas. It is essential to develop intervention strategies that include educational programs and the strengthening of the primary healthcare system. Keywords: treatment adherence, associated factors, hypertension, pharmacological treatment