Enhancing adherence of antihypertensive regimens in hypertensive African–Americans: current and future prospects

Abstract

Patient adherence to antihypertensive medication is an important strategy for blood pressure control in hypertensive patients. However, rates of antihypertensive medication adherence among hypertensive African–Americans are unacceptably low. This article examines the current understanding of patient, clinical, provider and healthcare system factors associated with medication adherence in hypertensive African–Americans. Studies demonstrated that patient and clinical factors, such as self-efficacy and depression, are consistently associated with medication adherence in hypertensive African–Americans patients. Provider communication shows promise as a correlate of medication adherence, but more research on provider and healthcare system factors are still needed. The authors recommend that interventions targeted at increasing medication adherence among hypertensive African–Americans focus on self-efficacy. It is also imperative that clinicians screen hypertensive patients for depression and treat, if necessary.