Articles

Adherence to Hypertension Management Practices Based on International Society of Hypertension (ISH) Guidelines among Hypertensive Patients

Hypertension is a significant global health concern with profound cardiovascular implications. The researchers used a quantitative research design employing a descriptive research survey approach and the instrument used to seek information was a researcher-made questionnaire for assessing demographic characteristics, adherence to hypertension management such as medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and blood pressure control. These tools were used in data analysis frequency count and percentage distribution, mean and standard deviation, and lastly analysis of variance (ANOVA). This abstract presents a study conducted in Brgy. Washington, Surigao City, focusing on adherence to hypertension management guidelines by the International Society of Hypertension (ISH). Respondents generally showed high adherence to hypertension management, primarily taking medicine, with moderate adherence to monitoring blood pressure, physical activity, and diet, influenced by demographic factors. The study found no significant difference in medication adherence or adherence to a balanced diet among hypertensive individuals in Brgy. Washington, but did show differences based on age, occupation, income, and years of hypertension, emphasizing the need for community-based initiatives.

Social Support to Increase Adherence of People Living with HIV in Antiretroviral Treatment (Literature Review)

Antiretroviral medication (ART) therapy is the primary method of managing HIV-positive patients. The primary factor leading to therapeutic failure is nonadherence to ART therapy. Personal traits (predisposition), availability to health information, and social support, can be linked to adherence throughout ART therapy. Through a review of the literature, we hope to learn more about how social support can improve People Living With HIV (PLHIV) patients’ compliance with ART treatment. The literature review method is employed in this research strategy. The search for articles turned up 14 articles from 2019 to 2023 that were relevant to the issue. Various sources can be used to provide social assistance. Social support from friends, family, and medical professionals has a significant impact on PLHIV compliance with taking ART. Peer Support Groups (KDS) play a function in preserving adherence to ART treatment in PLHIV in addition to family support. Peer support groups offer assistance in the form of knowledge about sickness and treatment as well as inspiration to continue taking antiretrovirals religiously in order to survive. Numerous journals demonstrate a link between different types of social support and medication adherence. There is something, nevertheless, that is inversely related to the study. Social support will, nevertheless, have a favorable effect on treatment adherence. It is impossible to increase social support from a single source. However, if it can work in concert with social support, it will be ideal. To get the best outcomes, namely treatment adherence to antiretroviral therapy, it is vital to develop positive relationships amongst sources of support. Medication adherence is also influenced by internal variables, such as knowledge and the desire to preserve health, in addition to external support factors.