Health behaviors and adherence levels of patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes

Introduction Diabetes (DM) and hypertension (HA) are one of the most commonly diagnosed chronic diseases. Both conditions are treated with pharmacotherapy but also with lifestyle changes and maintenance of health-promoting behaviors. Failure to adhere to therapeutic recommendations can result in a lack of control of these diseases and an increase in acute and chronic complications. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of compliance with therapeutic recommendations of patients with HA. Material and methods The study included 117 patients with HA. The Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS) and the Health Behavior Inventory (IZZ) were used. Results The mean level of overall adherence was (17.1±5.2). The group of patients with high adherence scored better in health behavior in the domains: IZZ-sum scores (p<0.001), proper eating habits (p<0.001), preventive behaviors (p<0.001) and health practices (p=0.028). No differences were found for the domain of positive mental attitude (p=0.353). Predictors having a negative effect on adherence and the results of the preventive behavior and health practices domains of the IZZ questionnaire were the absence of comorbidities (r=-0.233, p=0.004) and hyperglycemic episodes (r=-0.180, p=0.027). Conclusions Patients adhering to pharmacological recommendations have higher adherence to non-pharmacological recommendations. Patients adhering to both pharmacological and non-pharmacological recommendations achieve better control of diabetes compensation. Independent predictors negatively affecting adherence are the absence of comorbidities and episodes of hyperglycemia.