309167
Factors Associated with Medication Adherence among Hispanics with Hypertension in New York and Florida
Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of influence (internal or external) that factors associated with medication adherence have on Hispanics with chronic hypertension. Using the Locus of Control Theory, we investigated which factors are associated with adherence to a treatment regimen among a sample of Hispanics from Florida and New York.
Methods: The participants were 103 persons who 1) self-identified as Hispanic/Latino; 2) had a HBP medication regimen; and 3) were age 21+. The sample was drawn from Spanish-speaking churches in Florida (Panama City, Tallahassee, Quincy and Orlando) and New York (Brooklyn). All participants took an adapted Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, and a Drug Adherence Questionnaire (DAQ), available in English/Spanish. Data analyses included Chi Squared and Spearman Rho Correlations.
Results: We examined which variables were associated with medication adherence among hypertensive Hispanics, and found that both internal and external factors were closely associated. Regarding internal control variables, access to primary care physician, religious beliefs, cost, and family support were all associated with medication adherence. Concerning external control variables, side effects, luck beliefs, and fatalism were all associated with medication adherence.
Conclusions: Most messages/materials regarding medication adherence are internally oriented (in control of the individual). We found that open discussion about the perceived external control factors (those not individually controlled) would be more effective for promoting medication adherence among Latino patients. Understanding both internal and external factors among Latinos can assist the development of better hypertension prevention and control programs.
Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and preventionDiversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences
Learning Objectives:
Define the two main constructs of Locus of Control Theory.
Describe the obstacles to High Blood Pressure medication adherence
among Latinos in this sample.
Identify external control variables significant in the adherence to
High Blood Pressure medication among Latinos.
Keyword(s): Adherence, Latinos
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the principal investigator of this study, and worked closely under the tutelage of Dr. Lopez (Advisor) and Dr. Dark, both seasoned public health researchers. The study findings were properly vetted and are ready to be presented at this fine conference.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.