Hypertension contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality associated with cardiovascular disease in the U.S., playing a part in over 200,000 deaths each year. However, only about 25% of people with hypertension have it controlled with medication. The main reason for uncontrolled hypertension is inadequate adherence to treatment, with as many as 50-75% of patients failing to adhere to prescribed antihypertensives. Because many past interventions in this area have lacked theoretical guidance and had limited success in improving adherence, this study explored the application of the Transtheoretical Model to antihypertensive medication adherence. It involves a randomized clinical trial of a Transtheoretical Model-based intervention, in which half of the 1200 participants received individualized, stage-based behavior change materials by mail. Participants receiving the intervention (n=600) got individualized feedback on stage of change, self-efficacy, pros and cons, and processes of change. A sample of intervention participants (n=168) also completed a brief questionnaire evaluating readability, usefulness, and acceptability of intervention materials. This presentation reviews the development of the intervention, implementation of the research, and acceptability of the Transtheoretical Model-based behavior change materials. Implications for individualized, population-based adherence interventions will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: (1) Describe a randomized clinical trial of a behavioral intervention for medication adherence, and (2) Understand the development, implementation, and acceptability of a Transtheoretical Model-based intervention in an HMO population.
Keywords: Intervention, Adherence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment