CHARACTERIZATION OF HYPERTENSIVE SERVICE USERS AND COMPLIANCE WITH TREATMENT IN A FAMILY HEALTH UNIT

Abstract

This study describes the socio-demographic profile of 100 hypertensive service users, out of 500 registered in Family Health Units. It identified factors associated with abandoning treatment. Data was collected between July and December 2011 through home visiting, was grouped in Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheets, and was analyzed with descriptive statistics and the application of the chi-square test. The majority of the hypertensives were overweight women between 50 and 69 years of age. It was ascertained that the majority of the service users had not abandoned treatment, but were, rather, having it away from the unit. The motives related to abandoning treatment or failing to follow treatment instructions properly were carrying out treatment with a cardiologist in another health service, difficulty of access to the health unit, and considering the treatment un-necessary. The study highlights the importance of identifying the reasons for abandoning treatment or its proper following in the original unit, so as to improve intervention.

Keywords

• Knowledge
• Attitudes and practice in health
• Treatment
• Hypertension
• Family health