ABANDONO DEL CONTROL Y TRATAMIENTO DE PACIENTES HIPERTENSOS

EVALUACION DE ALGUNOS METODOS EDUCACIONALES COMO AYUDA EN SU PREVENCION

Abstract

A study about drop-out in hypertensive patients and the use of educational aids in its prevention was done in Medellin.

Two groups of patients were selected. One, belonged to private offices of some physicians. The other was selected from the out-patient clinic of three institutions that provide medical care including the drugs for treatment to workersand their families.

The patients were classified as compliants and drop-outs. A survey in 26 medical specialists revealed that drop-out occur in a 40 to 60% of private patients.

The major cause for the drop-out were those related with patient's education and understanding of the disease. Economic difficulties to payfrequent checkups and drugs were also pointed out as important factors. This factor was not present in institutional patients but among themthe lack of compliance is due to poor motivation and poor doctor-patient relationship.

Educational aids such as those used in this study are useful. The most remarkable fact was the compliance of all the patients for a control appointment two months after the initial visit due mainly to the role of paramedical personnel in their motivation.