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. 1992 Dec;82(12):1607–1612. doi: 10.2105/ajph.82.12.1607

Correlates of nonadherence to hypertension treatment in an inner-city minority population.

S Shea 1, D Misra 1, M H Ehrlich 1, L Field 1, C K Francis 1
PMCID: PMC1694541  PMID: 1456334

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Adherence to treatment is a key factor in achieving blood pressure control among hypertensives. We examined correlates of nonadherence to hypertension treatment in an inner-city minority population. METHODS. Subjects (n = 202) were interviewed as part of a case-control study of severe, uncontrolled hypertension conducted in two New York City hospitals in 1989-91. All subjects were African American or Hispanic. Self-reported nonadherence to drug treatment for hypertension was measured using a five-item scale, and the sample was dichotomized as more (n = 87) or less (n = 115) adherent. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to adjust for demographic and other covariates. RESULTS. Nonadherence was associated with having blood pressure checked in an emergency room (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 7.9; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.75, 35.77; P < .01), lack of a primary care physician (adjusted OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.37, 6.02; P < .01), current smoking (adjusted OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.10, 5.22; P = .03), and younger age (adjusted OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.06; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS. Changing the locus of care for hypertension from emergency rooms to primary care physicians may improve adherence to hypertension treatment in minority populations.

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Selected References

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