The Level Of Knowledge And Compliance With Taking Medication In Outpatient Hypertensive Patients At RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan City In 2021

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The Level of Knowledge and Compliance with Taking Medication in Outpatient Hypertensive Patients at RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan City in 2021

Introduction

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a systolic pressure above 140 mmHg and diastolic pressure above 90 mmHg. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Therefore, it is essential for hypertensive patients to have a good understanding of their condition and adhere to their medication regimen. This study aims to evaluate the level of knowledge and compliance of hypertensive patients in taking drugs at RSUD Dr. Pirngadi, Medan City, and to analyze how demographic factors, such as gender, affect both aspects.

Research Methods

This study uses a descriptive method with a cross-sectional design. A total of 161 respondents were sampled using the Consecutive Sampling method. The questionnaire used to measure the level of knowledge about hypertension was the Hypertension Knowledge Level-Scale (HK-LS), while the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to measure patients' compliance in taking drugs. Data analysis was carried out statistically using the Univariate and Bivariate methods, including the Chi-Square and Spearman tests from the SPSS 22 program with a 95% confidence level.

Research Results

The results of this study showed that all respondents, namely 100% of outpatient hypertension patients at RSUD Dr. Pirngadi, have a high level of knowledge about hypertension. However, despite their high knowledge, the level of compliance in taking drugs shows variation. As many as 83.2% of patients are in the category of high compliance, 11.8% in the category of moderate compliance, and 5.0% in the category of low compliance. Furthermore, the analysis shows that demographic factors, especially sex, have a significant effect on drug compliance with drugs, with the value of p <0.05. However, other demographic factors do not show an effect on knowledge about hypertension, and the level of knowledge of patients also does not affect their level of compliance.

Discussion

The high level of knowledge about hypertension among patients shows a good effort in health education. This is very important because good knowledge about diseases can support better health management. However, the high level of compliance with drugs is not comparable to knowledge, which shows that there are still other factors that affect patient compliance. For example, psychological factors, family support, and drug side effects can be a reason why not all patients comply with treatment recommendations.

The effect of demographic factors on the knowledge and level of compliance with patients indicates that health education must be designed individually, paying attention to the specific needs of various groups of patients. In addition, the importance of continuous monitoring of patient compliance needs to be a concern for health workers in order to reduce the risk of complications due to hypertension.

The Importance of Individualized Health Education

The results of this study highlight the importance of individualized health education for hypertensive patients. Health education should be designed to meet the specific needs of various groups of patients, taking into account their demographic characteristics, such as sex, age, and socioeconomic status. This approach can help to improve patient compliance and reduce the risk of complications due to hypertension.

The Role of Health Workers in Monitoring Patient Compliance

The results of this study also emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of patient compliance by health workers. Health workers should regularly monitor patients' medication adherence and provide support and guidance as needed. This can help to identify patients who are at risk of non-adherence and provide targeted interventions to improve compliance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that outpatient hypertension patients at RSUD Dr. Pirngadi Medan City have a high level of knowledge about hypertension, and most also show high compliance in taking medicine. However, there are other factors, such as gender, which affect compliance, while patient knowledge does not affect compliance. Therefore, it takes a more holistic and individual approach in the management of hypertensive patients to increase treatment compliance and prevent further complications.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Individualized health education: Health education should be designed to meet the specific needs of various groups of patients, taking into account their demographic characteristics.
  2. Continuous monitoring of patient compliance: Health workers should regularly monitor patients' medication adherence and provide support and guidance as needed.
  3. Targeted interventions: Health workers should provide targeted interventions to improve compliance among patients who are at risk of non-adherence.
  4. Multidisciplinary approach: A multidisciplinary approach should be taken to manage hypertensive patients, involving healthcare professionals from various disciplines, such as medicine, nursing, and psychology.

By implementing these recommendations, healthcare providers can improve patient compliance and reduce the risk of complications due to hypertension.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hypertension and Medication Compliance

Q: What is hypertension, and why is it a concern?

A: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. If left untreated, hypertension can be life-threatening.

Q: What are the symptoms of hypertension?

A: Hypertension often has no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as a "silent killer." However, some people may experience symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

Q: How can I manage my hypertension?

A: Managing hypertension requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Reducing stress
  • Getting enough sleep

Medication may also be prescribed to help lower blood pressure.

Q: Why is medication compliance important for hypertensive patients?

A: Medication compliance is crucial for hypertensive patients because it helps to lower blood pressure and prevent complications. Non-adherence to medication can lead to increased blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Q: What are some common barriers to medication compliance?

A: Some common barriers to medication compliance include:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Lack of understanding about the medication
  • Side effects
  • Cost of medication
  • Difficulty with medication regimen

Q: How can healthcare providers improve medication compliance among hypertensive patients?

A: Healthcare providers can improve medication compliance among hypertensive patients by:

  • Educating patients about their medication and its importance
  • Encouraging patients to ask questions and express concerns
  • Providing support and guidance to patients
  • Monitoring patients' medication adherence and adjusting treatment plans as needed
  • Using reminders and other tools to help patients remember to take their medication

Q: What are some strategies for improving medication adherence?

A: Some strategies for improving medication adherence include:

  • Using a pill box or other reminder device
  • Setting reminders on a phone or other device
  • Asking a family member or friend to remind you to take your medication
  • Using a medication adherence app
  • Keeping a medication diary to track when you take your medication

Q: Can hypertension be cured?

A: Hypertension is a chronic condition that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, many people with hypertension can lead healthy and active lives.

Q: What are some resources for learning more about hypertension and medication compliance?

A: Some resources for learning more about hypertension and medication compliance include:

  • The American Heart Association (AHA)
  • The National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • The American College of Cardiology (ACC)
  • The American Society of Hypertension (ASH)

By understanding more about hypertension and medication compliance, you can take steps to manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications.