Adherence to pharmacological treatment of systemic arterial hypertension in primary care

Abstract

Systemic arterial hypertension is defined as a persistent increase in blood pressure levels, which can occur due to a number of factors and is considered a multifactorial disease. Objective: To assess adherence to pharmacological treatment for hypertension in primary care patients. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional, individualized study of patients in the hypertension control program at a health unit in Belém do Pará, Brazil, in 2020. A questionnaire was used to collect information, which was then tabulated and evaluated using statistical methods. Results: 42 hypertensive patients were assessed, with a higher prevalence of males, aged between 61 and 70 and with an income of less than 1 minimum wage. Discussion: Patients who needed support to take their medication were the ones who forgot to take it the most, with a statistical difference, as were those who were less informed about the risks of the disease. Conclusion: Hypertension is a public health problem due to its prevalence and the complications associated with its evolution. Investing in raising awareness about the risks of the disease and strengthening primary care are ways of improving patient adherence to treatment for this pathology.