Therapeutic adherence in patients with chronic diseases hospitalized in an Internal Medicine Service

Context: Currently there are many investigations that are carried out around the complex problem of therapeutic adherence due to its negative consequences. Aims: To evaluate the therapeutic adherence in patients with chronic diseases hospitalized in an Internal Medicine Service. Methods: An observational, descriptive and transversal study was carried out in 50 patients characterized according to biosocial and clinical variables. For the determination of therapeutic adherence, the Battle test and the Morisky-Green test were used, defining the patients as adherent and non-adherent. Possible factors associated with adherence were analyzed and educational interventions were carried out. The review of the clinical histories and the interview as a working instrument were used, the statistical significance of the influence of the factors was evaluated through Chi-square. Results: Predominance of the feminine sex, the average age of 65 years and the level of primary schooling, hypertension prevailed in 90% of patients and antihypertensive drugs as the most used drugs. 54% of adherent patients were obtained compared to 46% of non-adherent patients. Factors such as number of chronic diseases, limitation of social activity and accessibility to the pharmaceutical service were associated with therapeutic adherence. The educational interventions carried out were the talk and the advice/information. Conclusions: The results reveal therapeutic adherence in most patients and the need to continue with health education to groups with chronic diseases.