Relationship between knowledge and adherence to hypertension treatment

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a continuous increase in arterial blood pressure. About 50-70% of patients do not comply with hypertension treatment. Adherence is a health behavior that can be influenced by several factors, including knowledge. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between patients’ knowledge and adherence to hypertension medication at the Tanggulangin Primary Healthcare Center, Sidoarjo City. METHODS: The research method was analytic-observational with a cross-sectional design. Sixty-five sampled patients participated in this study after meeting inclusion criteria: at the age of over 18 years, having the ability to read and write, and signing the consent forms. The respondents were selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively with the Spearman Rho test to identify a correlation between knowledge and adherence to medication. RESULTS: Patients’ knowledge was mostly categorized as good (60%), followed by moderate category (40%). In addition, adherence to medication was all in the moderate category (100%). The correlation test results show a weak relationship between knowledge and adherence to medication (P=0.007; R=-0,331). CONCLUSION: Patients’ knowledge is related to adherence to hypertension treatment.