The Effect of a Family-Centered Self-Care Education Program on Adherence to Medication Regimen in Patients with High Blood Pressure Discharged from the Hospital

Abstract

Background: High blood pressure is one of the most important health problems in the world and a cause of major diseases that are largely controlled by self-care and adherence to medication regimen. Considering the role of family participation in patient self-care, this study was conducted to determine the effect of a family-centered self-care education program on adherence to medication regimen in patients with high blood pressure discharged from the hospital. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on two intervention and control groups of 30 people. Four educational sessions related to adherence to medication regimen were conducted with the presence of the patient and an active family member in the intervention group at the hospital and the patient's home. The level of adherence to the medication regimen was measured using the Morisky questionnaire in both groups before, immediately, and two months after the intervention and analyzed with chi-square, independent t-test, dependent t-test, and multivariate analysis of covariance tests. Findings: The two groups were similar in terms of background variables. Before the educational program, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean medication adherence score. However, the mean score immediately and two months after the program implementation between the two groups increased in favor of the intervention group and was significantly different (P= 0.001). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the self-care education program with family participation significantly improved adherence to the medication regimen in patients with high blood pressure and indicated the role of the family in facilitating the treatment process. Accordingly, the prediction of family-centered education in patient discharge programs and aftercare is emphasized. © 2025, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.