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Better self-reported health in patients with high BP who trust the medical profession
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Among patients with hypertension, greater trust in the medical profession was associated with higher medication adherence, enhanced resilience and better health-related quality of life, according to findings presented at the American Heart Association’s Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions.
Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey with 201 participants treated for hypertension, 101 of whom were of Hispanic origin. They aimed to assess the role of trust in the medical profession, a form of institutional trust, as a potential mechanism for improving health in adults with hypertension.
The researchers examined the links between trust in the medical profession, medication adherence, resilience and health-related QOL — both physical and mental health — among patients with hypertension. In addition, they evaluated whether the effects of trust on medication adherence, resilience and health-related QOL differed by ethnicity (Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic). Resilience was defined as the ability to cope and successfully adapt to adverse life circumstances.
Findings indicated that trust in the medical profession was positively associated with mental health (beta = 0.43; P < .001) and physical health (beta = 0.32; P < .001). Trust was also positively associated with medication adherence (beta = 0.25; P < .05) and resilience (beta = 0.18; P < .05). Resilience was positively associated with mental health (beta = 0.34; P < .001), but not with physical health. Medication adherence was not linked with mental or physical health.
In summary, the study found that trust in the medical profession positively predicted medication adherence, resilience and global mental and physical health in patients with hypertension, according to Lilia Meltzer, PhD, a nurse practitioner and second year Stroke Disparities Research Fellow at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. Trust accounted for 6% of the variation in medication adherence. Additionally, trust had an equally protective effect on the health for both groups, irrespective of race/ethnicity.
These findings are noteworthy, given the differences in socioeconomic position and health status among the groups; Hispanics had less income and education than non-Hispanics (P < .0001 for both), and they also had worst physical and mental health (P < .001 for both).
“Because adherence to [BP]-lowering medication is a challenge for many people, identifying and understanding how to overcome obstacles that prevent patients from following prescribed treatments may help lower their risk for the serious health consequences of poorly controlled hypertension, including stroke and [MI], and, in turn, may lead to improved health outcomes,” Meltzer said in a press release. – by Darlene Dobkowski
Reference:
Meltzer LS, Hays RD. Presentation 252. Presented at: American Heart Association’s Quality of Care and Outcomes Research Scientific Sessions; April 2-3, 2017; Arlington, Va.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.