Factors affecting treatment adherence for patients with hypertension by structural equation model

Abstract

Objective To explore the factors of treatment adherence for patients with hypertension.Methods Data were collected among 520 patients with essential hypertension from 2009 to 2010.It investigated the factors of treatment adherence for patients with hypertension by self-report scales.Results Structural equation model analysis showed age,self-rated health,self-eificacy,quality of life,family function and health concept were all directly associated with treatment adherence,and these variables explained 52.0％ of the total variance.Self-efficacy and quality of life were regarded as mediators in predicting treatment adherence of hypertensive patients,other variables indirectly affected adherence behavior by two mediators.Age and self-efficacy showed a strong independent predictive role to adherence.Conclusions Healthcare providers should take effective measures to improve treatment adherence for patients with hypertension based on patients characteristic once they make reasons for adherence clear,which can enhance quality of life,control blood pressure and prevent complications. Key words: Hypertensive patients; Treatment adherence; Structural equation model