Effects of Education on Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Adults

Abstract

Hypertension affects many United States adults and is a modifiable risk factor of heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Low medication adherence rates are associated with poor blood pressure control, poor health outcomes, and increased costs. The purpose of this quasi-experimental, evidence-based hypertension education project was to determine if evidence-based education improved medication adherence and blood pressure in hypertensive adults. A total of six participants took part in the project. Participants were recruited from a primary care clinic in rural Kansas. All participant communication, data collection, and implementation took place via email and phone. Two individual education sessions based on the American Heart Association's “Small changes make a big difference” took place. Participants were also taught how to correctly take blood pressure from home. Medication adherence was measured using the Hill-Bone Medication Adherence Scale. Blood pressure was measured using electronic health records and participant's home blood pressure monitoring log. There was no significant difference in pre- and post-intervention medication adherence scores or blood pressure readings. Participant feedback revealed positive feelings toward education provided. Nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers, should improve patient's understanding of hypertension to decrease healthcare costs and increase quality of life in adults with hypertension.