The Effect of Health Literacy and Adherence to Medical Treatment on Hypertension Control in the Elderly

Background: Health literacy is an important factor in facilitating disease management among individuals with hypertension. This study aimed to determine the effect of health literacy on adherence to antihypertensive treatment in elderly patients with controlled and uncontrolled hypertension. Methods: This descriptive and comparative study included 203 elderly patients diagnosed with hypertension for at least 6 months who were on antihypertensive treatment. Data were collected using a patient information form, the Health Literacy Scale (HLS), and the Medication Adherence Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (MASES-SF). Results: The mean age of the participants was 69.70±12.49 years. Age, duration of disease, and duration of medication use were higher in patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Moreover, patients with controlled hypertension were more likely to have regular health check-ups, watch health-related programs in the media, and research the accuracy of disease-related information (P<0.05). In addition, patients with controlled hypertension were more likely to use medication once daily, have another chronic disease, and have a family history of hypertension (P<0.05). The mean MASES-SF and HLS scores of patients with controlled hypertension were statistically higher than those of patients with uncontrolled hypertension (P<0.01). Conclusions: Controlled hypertension showed a positive correlation with health literacy and treatment adherence. Furthermore, the health literacy level was identified as a determinant of medication adherence in elderly patients.