Correlations between Knowledge, Attitude,and Adherence to Medical Treatmentin Patients with Hypertension

Abstract

Background: Poor adherence to medication treatment is a serious and prevalent problem in hypertension management. Inconsistent drug consumption can result in poor treatment outcomes. Non-adherence to medical treatment can be related to belief or attitude regarding medication treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlations between knowledge, attitude, and adherence to medication treatment in patients with hypertension.

Subjects and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Semarang, Central Java. A sample of 118 hypertensive patients was selected randomly. The dependent vari­able was adherence to medical treatment. The independent variables were knowledge and attitude. Data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression.

Results: adherence to medical treatment in hypertensive patients increased with good knowledge (b= 1.44; 95% CI= 0.77 to 2.12; p<0.001) and positive attitude (b= 1.34; 95% CI= 0.46 to 2.22; p<0.001).

Conclusion: adherence to medical treatment in hypertensive patients increases with good knowledge and a positive attitude.

Keywords: knowledge, attitude, drug-taking adherence, hypertension

Correspondence:

Dwi Nina Wijayanti. Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: dwininaw@gmail.com. Mobile: 082135721263.