The Effect of Self-reminder Card to the Level of Adherence of Hypertension Patients in Community Health Center in Surabaya

BACKGROUND: Hypertension was an increase of blood pressure which caused damages on the target organs. Treatment therapy of hypertension patients was very complex and required a long period of time. Target of hypertension therapy was to keep the patient’s blood pressure controlled. Achieved therapeutic target was increasing adherence of patient medication. The success of treatment was not only influenced by the quality of health care but also influenced by the patient’s adherence to the treatment. Self-reminder card was a tool helping patients to avoid forget taking medicine. AIM: The aim of this research was to determine the effect of self-reminder card on the level of adherence to treatment in hypertension patients in 10 community health centers (Puskesmas) in Surabaya. METHODS: This research used QUASI experimental two groups pre-post prospective. Adherence measurement used Morisky, Green, Levine Adherence Scale questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed statistically. Research was conducted in May 2020 at the community health center in Surabaya. Research criteria are patients with hypertension diagnosis without comorbid disease who get antihypertensive therapy. RESULTS: The results of the study obtained 115 patients (55 control group patients and 60 intervention group patients). Statistical analysis using Mann–Whitney, there was a difference between the level of adherence to treatment in the control and intervention group with the value of p < 0.001. A test analysis using Wilcoxon signed-rank, there was a difference between the level of adherence to treatment before and after the intervention group with the value p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reminder card was effective in increasing the level of adherence to the treatment of hypertension patients.