Blood Pressure Home Monitoring in Hypertensive Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in Amman, Jordan: Effect on Disease Control and Adherence Rate

Purpose: To investigate the effect of home monitoring of blood pressure ( HMBP) on adherence to antihypertensive medications and control of the disease among patients attending a tertiary health facility in Amman, Jordan. Methods: This cross-sectional correlation study was conducted in 2012 at the cardiovascular clinics of Jordan University Hospital. A questionnaire investigating participants' disease level of control, disease duration, frequency of HMBP use, type of measuring devices used, and effect of HMBP on adherence to antihypertensive medications and life style changes was used for the study. To minimize any bias that may have resulted from the involvement of pharmacists in data collection, we designed a clear stringent protocol that was strictly followed by the researcher with all patients. In addition to that, the researcher clearly introduced herself as an independent figure that cannot make any decisions or changes. Results: Two hundred and five hypertensive patients who practice HMBP were recruited into this study. Sixty percent of the patients were aged 50 - 69 years. About 45 % of the patients were diagnosed with hypertension for > 10 years. Almost half of the patients have been using digital devices for blood pressure monitoring. The mean rate of HMBP was 15 times per month but almost 80 % of the patients did not document their blood pressure readings. Around 55 % of the patients referred high readings to a healthcare professional. Patients with higher levels of education as well as patients with lower BP readings showed significantly higher rates of adherence to their antihypertensive medications. Patients with high BP readings reported that they exercise more and reduced their daily salt intake. Conclusion: Overall, the patients showed high adherence rates to antihypertensive medications and adoption of better life style. However, increasing patient's awareness in respect to documenting and communicating BP readings to their physicians is needed.