Examine the effects of the developed Pender’s model constructs on medication compliance and adherence to a low-salt diet in patients with uncontrolled hypertension

BACKGROUND: One of the challenges for patients with high blood pressure is the lack of proper control. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the developed Pender’s model structures on medication compliance and adherence to a low-salt diet in patients with uncontrolled hypertension in the city of Ahvaz. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among patients with uncontrolled blood pressure in Ahvaz city. The participants were selected through multistage sampling. The data collection instrument was a researcher-designed questionnaire based on the constructs of the developed Pender’s model, which included three sections with demographic information, questions about adherence to a healthy and low-salt diet, and medication adherence. The data were analyzed using PLS SMART software. RESULTS: The results of the study revealed that the constructs self-efficacy (path coefficient = 0.25, P < 0.00), perceived sensitivity (path coefficient = 0.17, P < 0.02), and interpersonal influences (path coefficient = 0.09, P < 0.02) had a positive and significant influence on adherence to a low-salt diet, and the structure of perceived benefits (path coefficient = −0.09, P < 0.00) had a negative and reverse effect on this behavior. Additionally, the results of the study revealed that the self-efficacy construct (path coefficient = 0.11, P < 0.02) had a positive and significant effect on medication adherence, and the perceived barrier construct (path coefficient = −0.13, P < 0.00) had a negative and reverse effect on this behavior. CONCLUSION: By adding perceived sensitivity to the Pender’s health promotion model, there is the possibility of better control of hypertension in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure.