Family Support and Medication Nonadherence among Elderly on Antihypertensives

Background: Hypertension being the silent killer pose the individuals at risk for adverse health effects and serious complications endangering the life of an individual. Non-adherence to the recommended treatment for hypertension adds to the likelihood of therapeutic failure. Since family play a very important role in the care of elderly, assessment of family support by the health care providers becomes one of the important components of treating elderly on antihypertensives. Objective: to assess the medication nonadherence among elderly on antihypertensives and to find the influence of family support on medication adherence. Materials and Method: The total sample for the study included 124 nonadherent elderly hypertensives and were assessed at baseline and followed up at three and six months. During each follow up the participants were assessed for their level of medication adherence and family support. The data were collected using demographic and clinical proforma, MMAS-8 (r=0.83) and family support scale (r=0.92). Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee and Informed consent was obtained from participants. Results: It was found that the family support does have a significant influence on medication adherence among elderly hypertensives. Conclusion: Detailed assessment by the health care provider regarding the family support becomes the basis for the management of nonadherent behavior of elderly on antihypertensives.