The Effect of Islamic Self-Care Model on Blood Pressure and Medication Compliance in the Elderly with Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Many patients fail to reach the expected results, even with the very considerable strides forward in the treatment of hypertension (HTN). They undergo serious complications after this condition remains uncontrolled. Patients' perceptions regarding the importance of Islamic self-care may be the occasion for managing chronic diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Islamic self-care model on blood pressure (BP) and medication adherence (MA) among older adults living with HTN.

Utilizing a randomized controlled trial in 2019 in Amol City of Iran, 60 elderly patients suffering from high blood pressure were assigned to two intervention and control groups in the form of random block allocation. Then, their BP and MA were measured using a dial sphygmomanometer and Morisky questionnaire, respectively.  Designed for four weeks, the intervention group participated in an HTN-management education program, putting much emphasis on proper nutrition within the framework of the Islamic self-care model and gaining divine satisfaction. Simultaneously, the control group received a similar scientific HTN management and medication adherence education program. Following the re-measurement of BP and MA in both groups, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests, Chi-square, Fisher, independent-samples t-test, and analysis of covariance.

In the pre-intervention phase, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the mean BP indices and MA. At the post-intervention, results revealed a significant reduction in the average systolic blood pressure (133.125±8.95) and diastolic (78.33±61.4) of the Islamic self-care group compared to systolic blood pressure (141.33±10.16) and diastolic (82.0±4.27) in the control group (P>0.001). Also, there was a significant improvement in the MA score in the Islamic self-care group (1.07±1.01) compared to the control group (2.43±1.38) (P<0.001).

The Islamic self-care model was found to be effective in managing the average BP and MA of patients.