FACTORS RELATED TO HYPERTENSION MEDICATION NON-ADHERENCE FOR VIETNAMESE POLICE
Background: Little is known about HTN control and MA in Vietnamese police. This study will provide important information about HTN control, and cultural and clinical factors associated with MA in this population.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of 100 policemen recruited from an urban hospital in Vietnam. Inclusion criteria were: Vietnamese police ≥ 18 years old, taking HTN medications and able to read and speak Vietnamese. Self-report questionnaires and blood pressure measurements. A total score ≥80% of the highest score of MA scale by Morisky’s et al. was defined as MA.
Results: The mean age was 50.88 (±6.31) years old. Majority were men (82%), had college degree (81%) and were married (91%). The average duration of HTN diagnosis was 5.15 (±4.40) years. The average number of prescribed HTN medications was 1.21 (±0.48). Seventeen percent used Vietnamese herbs to treat HTN. MA was reported in 64%, but HTN control was only 53%. MA was higher in the participants with higher perceived susceptibility to HTN-related complications [OR=1.38 (95%CI, 1.16-1.65)], with higher perceived benefit of western HTN medications [OR=1.82 (95%CI, 1.17-2.84)], with longer duration of HTN diagnosis [OR=1.33 (95%CI, 1.06-1.66)], and with lower number of prescribed HTN medications [OR=2.94 (95%CI, 1.12-7.69].
Conclusions and Implications: MA for Vietnamese police was 64% compared to 80% for the general US population. HTN control for Vietnamese police compared to the US population was 53% and 70% respectively. Nearly 20% Vietnamese police used herbs to treat their HTN. Those at risk for non-MA perceived lower susceptibility to HTN-related complications, lower benefit of HTN medications, with shorter duration of HTN diagnosis, and higher number of prescribed HTN medications. These findings indicate that culturally and clinically appropriate nursing interventions for HTN management in Vietnamese police are needed.