Abstract
Categorization of psychosocial factors associated with adherence to antihypertensive drugs. This qualitative study tries to categorize the determinants of adherence to antihypertensive drugs in the A.S.E. model (attitude, social influence and self-efficacy). Data were obtained from the information of 44 patients (25 compliant and 19 noncompliant), by means of a semi-structured, recorded interview. Two independent investigators carried out a thematic analysis of the answers, following Burnard's method. The method was validated using the Kappa Index. The information from the patients suggests that educational programs should emphasize the advantages of treatment, teach the skills that improve adherence, foresee the barriers and secondary effects, and teach avoiding or managing them. These programs should be developed by health workers convinced of the effectiveness of the treatment, who are good communicators and willing to share responsibility with patients and to integrate in the program significant people in their personal environment. The information obtained is useful for tailor made education and to elaborate quantitative questionnaires.
