Provider Adherence to National Guidelines for Managing Hypertension in African Americans

Blood pressure—lowering medication prescribing, its adherence to guidelines and relationship with blood pressure control at a family medicine department

Background

In many resource‐constrained countries, control of blood pressure (BP) is low. Antihypertensive drug prescribing practices may influence BP control. However, adherence of prescribing to treatment guidelines may not be optimal in resource‐constrained settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pattern of blood pressure‐lowering medication prescribing, and how it adheres to treatment guidelines, and to identify the relationship between medication prescriptions and BP control.

Methods

It was a cross‐sectional study of hypertensive outpatients at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) Family Medicine department (FMD)/Polyclinic. Data was collected with a validated structured form. Adherence of “prescribing” to recommendations of the 2017 Standard Treatment Guidelines of Ghana and 2018 European Society of Cardiology guidelines was assessed using a composite measure. We analyzed data with SPSS.

Results

About 81% (247/304) of patients received two or more antihypertensive drugs. Most patients (41%; 267/651) received calcium channel blockers (CCB), and 21.8% (142/651), 15.7% (102/651) and 12.7% (83/651) were on diuretics, angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors respectively. CCB plus RAS inhibitor (50%) was the most prescribed two‐drug combination. Number of BP drugs per patient had a statistically significant inverse relationship with BP control (beta Coefficient = –0.402; 95% Cl: 1.252–2.470; p = 0.015). The composite adherence score was 0.73 (moderate adherence) but Single‐pill combination (SPC) was poor (3.2%; n = 8).

Conclusion

Most patients received multiple‐pill combination treatment, and overall adherence to guidelines was suboptimal, largely owing to complex drug therapy. Number of drugs predicted BP control. Our findings suggest a need to prioritize simplified treatment, and implement other strategies to improve hypertension guideline adherence. Further research on the influence of SPC on BP control may inform future hypertension guidelines in Ghana and elsewhere in Africa.

Self-care management strategies used by Black women who self-report consistent adherence to antihypertensive medication

BACKGROUND

Black women in the USA have the highest prevalence rate of hypertension (HTN) contributing to a higher risk of organ damage and death. Research has focused primarily on poorly controlled HTN, negative belief systems, and nonadherence factors that hinder blood pressure control. No known research studies underscore predominantly Black women who report consistent adherence to their antihypertensive medication-taking. The purpose of this study was to describe self-care management strategies used by Black women who self-report consistent adherence to their antihypertensive medication and to determine the existence of further participation in lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity.

METHODS

Using a qualitative descriptive design, four focus groups with a total of 20 Black women aged 25-71 years were audio-taped. Transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Participants were included in the study if they scored perfect adherence on the medication subscale of the Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale.

RESULTS

Medication adherence was predicated on three themes: HTN experience, involvement with treatment regimen, and a strong motivated mentality. Black women would benefit from treatment approaches that are sensitive to 1) diverse emotional responses, knowledge levels, and life experiences; 2) two-way communication and trusting, collaborative relationships with active involvement in the treatment regimen; 3) lifestyle modifications that focus on health benefits and individual preferences; and 4) spiritual/religious influences on adherence.

CONCLUSION

The use of self-care management strategies to enhance antihypertensive medication adherence is key to adequate blood pressure control and the reduction of cardiovascular events. This study provides preliminary insight for future research to develop interventions to aid those Black women who struggle with medication adherence and are disproportionately impacted by HTN.