The correlation between knowledge, attitude and family support on compliance of outpatients with hypertension in a healthcare centre in Indonesia

Background: Hypertension is a silent killer disease in the community. The success of hypertension therapy is influenced by adherence to medication. Three factors that shape compliance behaviour are knowledge and attitudes (these are predisposing factors) and family support (as a reinforcing factor). The majority of people in Indonesia choose healthcare centers when seeking hypertension treatment. Non-adherence to treatment has an impact on the incidence of complications. Objective: This current study was conducted on outpatients in the Tanggulangin Primary Healthcare Centre, Sidoarjo, Indonesia. Method: This study used a correlational design and a cross-sectional approach, involving 72 people in the sample. The variables measured were: knowledge, attitudes of patients, family support as well as patient compliance with hypertension treatment. Data was collected through a questionnaire instrument. Data analysis was done descriptively and correlatively. Results: The most widely accepted hypertension drug was amlodipine 78.6%, and a single therapy was given to 86.1% of patients. Most patients had suffered from hypertension for less than one year (38.9%); and half of the patients had family members who suffered from hypertension (52.1%). Patient knowledge of hypertension was moderate (69.4%). Most of the patients had a positive attitude (83.3%), good family support (76.5%), however, 94.5% did not comply with medication. The Spearman Rho test showed compliance with treatment was influenced by knowledge (5.9%) and attitude (14.8%). Meanwhile, the family support variable had no effect on compliance. Conclusion: This study concludes patient compliance to hypertension medication in the Tanggulangin Primary Healthcare Centre is only influenced by patient knowledge and attitudes.