Analysis of Adhesion to Systemic Arterial Hypertension Treatment by Hypertensive Patients Accompanied in a Basic Health Unit in Maceio, Alagoas: Contribution of Medical Students From Education Program for Health At Work (PET–Health)

INTRODUCTION

Systemic Arterial Hypertension is a multifactorial clinic condition frequently associated with functional and/or structural alterations of target-organs and the metabolism that increases cardiovascular events risk. Psychosocial, economics, educational and emotional stress factors are related to triggering and maintenance of the hypertension and might act like a barrier to treatment adhesion. Through Education Program for Health Work (PET-Health), educative actions were developed with the aim of health promotion.

METHODOLOGY

Medical students interviewed 40 hypertensive patients accompanied in a Basic Health Unit from Maceio, Alagoas. Data was analyzed and processed in simple frequency.

RESULTS

There were 60%  females and 45% were more than 60 years of age. Most (72,5%) of the patients had blood pressure levels higher than 140X90 mmHg during the interview. About non-drug treatment, 92,5% were non-smokers, 77,5% were non-drinkers, 35% practiced regular physical activities, 42,5% were following dietetic recommendations, 80% ate fruits and vegetables and 55% had dietary moderation of sodium. On pharmacologic treatment, 95% reported continuous and regular use of medication, 47,5% used combined treatment with two drugs, 32,5% used one drug and 20% used 3 or more drugs for hypertension treatment.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the blood pressure of the patients interviewed was not under control. Some questions could be made about the results: are they really regular users of pharmacologic therapy? Did they truthfully declare their lifestyle?  The studied population had elevated cardiovascular risk factors to target-organs, it is necessary reinforce educational messages such as lifestyle modification, adopting an attitude of concern along with hope and interest in the patient's future, providing positive feedback for behavioral improvement, providing medication information and advice on necessity for follow-up.