Adherence to pharmacological and non pharmacological treatment for arterial hypertension and associated factors in primary care

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 385 hypertensive patients between 20 and 79 years of age in a family health unit in Londrina, State of Parana, Brazil, to determine the adherence to pharmacological and non pharmacological treatment for arterial hypertension in primary healthcare and identify associated factors. The adherence to pharmacological treatment was 59%. Regular physical activity was reported by 68 (17.7%) hypertensive patients and 266 (69.1%) mentioned dietary changes. In the multiple regression analysis, adherence to drug treatment was associated with: increased age (50 to 79), consulting with a physician at least once a year, no regular alcohol consumption and previous myocardial infarction. Hypertensive males, with education up to 4th grade and above, who had at least one consultation per year, with diabetes or no history of high cholesterol, were more adherent to physical activity. Dietary changes were associated with education below the 4th grade and consulting with a physician at least once a year. These results show variable levels of adherence to treatment and demonstrate the importance of comprehensive actions in the care for hypertensive patients.