Gender and levels of adherence to antihypertensive treatment in personnel of the Costa Rican Distance Education University

Gender and levels of adherence to antihypertensive treatment in personnel of the Costa Rican Distance Education University

Authors

  • Lourdes Arce Espinoza
  • Julián Mónge-Nájera

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v1i2.226

Keywords:

Hypertension, antihypertensive treatment, epidemiology, mortality, gender, cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Gender and levels of adherence to antihypertensive treatment in personnel of the Costa Rican Distance Education University. Among chronic diseases, hypertension is one of the top causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Until now, health efforts have focused on decreasing this condition but the treatments have been ineffective and costly, and hypertension is one the least controlled diseases. Several studies have found that adherence to treatment in chronic diseases define therapeutic success. In turn, adherence depends on several factors from both the patients and their environment, but the relationship with the physician seems to be the main factor. In this context, gender is also an important factor in how patients deal with their disease. For this study, we interviewed 39 women and 41 men with hypertension who visited the health department at the Costa Rican Distance Education University, UNED, between January 14th, 2002 and December 15th, 2008. We wanted to see if there were gender differences in their relationship with the physician and their adherence to treatment. Statistical analysis found no significant gender differences in personal characteristics of patients or their environment. Gender differences in their relationship with the physicians are also minimal and in general both the relationship with the physician as the adhesion to hypertension treatment are good throughout this population.

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Published

2009-12-01

How to Cite

Arce Espinoza, L., & Mónge-Nájera, J. (2009). Gender and levels of adherence to antihypertensive treatment in personnel of the Costa Rican Distance Education University. UNED Research Journal, 1(2), 133–139. https://doi.org/10.22458/urj.v1i2.226

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2009)

Section

Articles

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