Investigating the relationship between health literacy and adherence with treatment regimen in the elderly with hypertension

Chronic hypertension is one of the most common physical problems during elderly, which usually requires lifelong treatment. The patient's adherence with the treatment regimen is one of the behaviors associated with the disease that predicts its successful treatment and reduces its adverse effects and severity. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between health literacy and adherence to the treatment regimen in elderly with hypertension. This is a descriptive correlational study that was performed on 313 elderly patients with hypertension referred to clinics of selected hospitals in Tehran. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected using convenience sampling method. Data collection was carried out using demographic characteristic scale, Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (STOFHLA), and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Data analysis was later performed using descriptive statistics, frequency distribution table, and inferential and correlation tests in SPSS 22. In this study, 42.5% of elderly patients with hypertension had inadequate health literacy. The mean and standard deviation of their health literacy score was 44.75 ± 11.91. A total of 60.7% of patients had poor medication adherence. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between health literacy and adherence to treatment regimen. The findings indicated that adherence with the treatment regimen increased health literacy by 4%. Also, there was also a significant relationship between both health literacy and mediation adherence variables and some factors such as education level. According to the results of the study, indicating the resulting low level of health literacy and its direct correlation with medication adherence, it is necessary to pay more attention to health literacy and increase individuals' awareness and education at societal level in order to reduce the complications of chronic diseases.