ANALYSIS OF DISEASE PERCEPTION AND TREATMENT ADHERENCE IN A GROUP OF PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Abstract

The morbidity of arterial hypertension is increasing every year in the world. Arterial hypertension is ranked among the highest risk factors for premature death from cardiovascular diseases. Observing the increasing prevalence of the disease and its negative health consequences, it is very important to clarify the patient’s disease perception, which may determine not only treatment adherence, but also affect the management of arterial hypertension and possible future complications.
The aim of this research is to assess the disease awareness and treatment adherence regimen of patients with arterial hypertension and links between them.
Methods. A quantitative study was conducted, involving 396 patients with arterial hypertension. The Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire was used to assess the awareness of arterial hypertension. The Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale was used to assess treatment adherence regimen. Statistical data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics 20 software and MS Excel 2025 computer program.
Results. The general perception of the disease of patients is more positive and is more often found in the male group (p=0,029). Individuals who are more conscious of the symptoms of the disease perceives the impact of the disease on life much better (p=0,0001), and individuals who have greater awareness of emotional reactions also demonstrate significantly better awareness of the disease’s impact on their lives, symptoms of the disease and concern about the disease (p=0,0001).
It was found that more than half of the respondents adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen, most of them adhere to the diet. As the perception of the duration of the disease and concern about the disease improves, adherence to the treatment regimen deteriorates. Improvement in adherence to the treatment regimen was associated with better perception of treatment, personal control and clarity of the disease.
Conclusions. Perception of treatment and personal control and concern about the disease has a significant impact on adherence to the treatment regimen. The perception of concern about the disease has a greater impact on adherence to the treatment regimen.