Period: 2013-2014

Researchers

Francisco Caccavo, Irazola V, Krousel-Wood, MA, He J, Rubinstein A.

Brief

The validation of a self-report scale capable of identifying low adherence to anti-hypertensive medication would provide an essential resource to carry out population studies in Argentina, and would also provide a very useful tool to improve the treatment of the disease. The objective of this study is to test the validity and test-retest reliability of the Morisky Scale (MMAS) to identify low adherence to anti-hypertensive medication in an adult population from Argentina.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to test the validity and test-retest reliability of the Morisky Scale (MMAS) to identify low adherence to anti-hypertensive medication in an adult population from Argentina.

Summary

Hypertension constitutes a major challenge for global public health today. It is estimated that 40% of the population suffers from hypertension, only 40% of hypertensive patients receive treatment and only 13% are adequately controlled. Non-adherence or low adherence to pharmacological treatment is one of the main causes of this inadequate control of arterial hypertension and reaches levels that are between 50% and 70%, globally. No medication adherence measurement tool has been validated in the region. The validation of a self-report scale capable of identifying low adherence to anti-hypertensive medication would provide an essential resource to carry out population studies in Argentina, and would also provide a very useful tool to improve the treatment of the disease. The study will be carried out in primary health care centers (CAPS). A total of 184 participants will be selected, randomly, from all hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive medication at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, CEMIC, Hospital Argerich, at the Family Medicine Cooperative and at the Coronel Suárez Clinic. Two visits will be made to the participants' home, separated by 25/30 days, where their blood pressure will be measured and the MMAS will be performed. Demographic and contact data, as well as the marital status and educational level of the participants, will also be collected. Validity will be measured by evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of the scale to detect non-adherence with anti-hypertensive medication through comparison of self-report and pill count and CAPS pharmacy records. Test-retest reliability will be evaluated by calculating the agreement of the results between the first and second administration of the scale. This study will provide a validated tool to measure medication adherence in order to improve hypertension treatment.

Type of study

The study will be carried out in primary health care centers (CAPS). A total of 184 participants will be selected, randomly, from all hypertensive patients receiving antihypertensive medication at the Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, CEMIC, Hospital Argerich, at the Family Medicine Cooperative and at the Coronel Suárez Clinic. Two visits will be made to the participants' homes, separated by 25/30 days, where their blood pressure will be measured and the MMAS will be performed. Demographic and contact data, as well as the marital status and educational level of the participants, will also be collected. Validity will be measured by evaluating the sensitivity and specificity of the scale to detect non-adherence with anti-hypertensive medication through comparison of self-report and pill count and CAPS pharmacy records. Test-retest reliability will be evaluated by calculating the agreement of the results between the first and second administration of the scale.

Finance

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)/NIH