Qualitative interviews of 30 rural patients with untreated hypertension revealed that non-adherence is driven by reliance on alternative medicines, access barriers, and personal health beliefs.
What are the perspectives and expectations of patients with untreated hypertension in rural Indonesia?
Patients with untreated hypertension in rural Indonesia undervalue visiting health professionals due to beliefs in alternative medicines and access barriers, highlighting the need for accessible medication and tailored health strategies.
Objectives This study aimed to explore perspectives about hypertension from patients who do not take anti-hypertensive medications. Factors that shape their perspectives as well as patients' expectations were also canvassed. Method Individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 30 people (≥45 years old) living in rural villages, diagnosed with hypertension, who had not taken any anti-hypertensive medications for at least one year. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Results Four themes emerged: (1) alternative medicines for managing high blood pressure; (2) accessing health care services; (3) the need for anti-hypertensive medications; and (4) existing support and patients' expectations. Reluctance to take anti-hypertensive medications was influenced by patients' beliefs in personal health threats and the effectiveness of anti-hypertensive medications, high self-efficacy for taking alternative medicines, the lack of recommendation regarding hypertension treatment, and barriers to accessing supplies of medicines. Conclusion Despite their awareness of being diagnosed with hypertension, patients undervalued visiting a health professional to control their high blood pressure. Health strategies need to consider patients' beliefs, concerns and expectations. Providing an accessible, affordable and adequate supply of hypertension medication is also key to any programs designed to optimise hypertension management.
Rahmawati et al. (Sat,) conducted a other in Hypertension (n=30). Not taking anti-hypertensive medications was evaluated on Perspectives about hypertension and reasons for not taking medications. Qualitative interviews of 30 rural patients with untreated hypertension revealed that non-adherence is driven by reliance on alternative medicines, access barriers, and personal health beliefs.