Effectiveness of a Hypertension Educational Program on Increasing Medication Compliance in Shiraz, 2004

It has been shown that educational programs are effective to improve antihypertensive compliance, but there are a few studies about this subject in developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of education on drug compliance in hypertensive patients in Iran. For this Purpose, 150 noncompliant hypertensive patients were taught through two stages: first direct educational interview in clinic that showed the patients how to handle their problem in taking drugs. Then all cases divided randomly to four groups which received education through telephone consult, telephone consult and educational booklet, educational booklet and on education respectively. Compliance was measured by a standard questionnaire before and after education. Non parametric test, analysis of covariance and chi-square test were used to analyze data. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. From 150 patients who received first stage of education 58 were remained in the study. In the final study group the mean score of compliance after education program was greater than before education significantly. (4.16 vs. 2.66, p<0.05) It was concluded that direct education based on patient's problem is effective in improvement patients' medication compliance. Further large studies are needed to differentiate various educational methods.