Knowledge and adherence to treatment for arterial hypertension in men aged 30-60 years enrolled in a Health Center between July and December 2021

Official figures from the Pan American Health Organization and the Ministry of Health of Argentina in 2017 showed that one in three adults had high blood pressure in line with global figures. Arterial hypertension (AHT) represents a major health problem due to the high prevalence of the disease and the poor control of treatment where Nursing is a main role in the reversal of this problem. Therefore, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with the aim of addressing the knowledge and adherence to treatment for hypertension in men aged 30 to 60 years old enrolled in a Health Center in the city of Rosario between July and December 2021. The study population consisted of 40 hypertensive men with a firm diagnosis of hypertension, prescription of pharmacological treatment and active attendance at the center during the study period. The survey technique was applied using a questionnaire of 16 multiple-choice questions with some open-ended questions in which a brief justification for the answers was requested. The patients revealed to know their disease although there was a group that expressed not knowing the symptomatology. There was also little awareness of the risk that age represents in the evolution of the disease and the presentation of complications. Adherence to treatment in terms of compliance with taking medication at the prescribed time was low and patients justified this by forgetfulness, lack of time and the decision of not believing it necessary to take the medication when they feel well. Only a minority of patients performed the usual prescribed blood pressure controls, but the results on the adoption of a healthy diet and the reduction of salt consumption were acceptable. Compliance with prescribed physical activity was low. Knowledge and adherence to treatment were deficient and corresponded to international figures