Evaluación de los determinantes del incumplimiento del tratamiento no farmacológico en pacientes con hipertensión arterial en el Centro de Salud El Tambo, Cañar- Ecuador, periodo 2024- 2025

Abstract

Adherence to non-pharmacological treatment in patients with arterial hypertension is essential for its control. However, there is limited information in Ecuador, especially in El Tambo, Cañar, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing adherence in this context. Objective: To evaluate the determinants of non-adherence to non-pharmacological treatment in patients with arterial hypertension treated at the El Tambo Health Center, Cañar, between 2024 and 2025, using a validated survey, to propose interventions to improve adherence. Methodology: A quantitative, descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted at the El Tambo Health Center. Simple random sampling was used among patients with essential hypertension who were prescribed non-pharmacological interventions between May 2024 and February 2025. A total of 214 participants were included, who met the specified inclusion criteria, while patients with severe comorbidities or irregular attendance were excluded. Discussion: The mean age was 56.98 years (range 41–73). Male participants predominated, and most were married, had a secondary education, and had stable employment. The frequency of non-adherence was high, with knowledge of control measures identified as the main factor associated with non-adherence. Other sociodemographic factors, such as age, educational level, and occupation, also influenced non-adherence. Conclusions: The high frequency of non-adherence underscores the need for educational and support strategies. Improving knowledge about the disease and preventive measures can increase adherence, suggesting the need for educational programs to foster treatment adherence. Keywords: arterial hypertension, non-pharmacological treatment, non-adherence, determining factors Certificamos que el documento que antecede es fiel copia del documento enviado por el/la estudiante Jaramillo Gallardo Mayerly Juliana