The pharmacists’ and mobile applications’ role in the treatment of hypertension

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Poor adherence is the main reason for inadequate blood pressure control. Pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals, and it has been reported that community pharmacist-led interventions improved patients' blood pressure control and health outcomes. Some authors reported on beneficial effects of mobile applications (MA) on better drug adherence. The aim of this study was to identify subjects in general population who are likely to participate in such interventions. METHODS: A total of 1228 (479 men, average age of 57.6 years, 748 women, average age of 57.2 years) participants enrolled in the EHUH 2 study (a random sample, nation-wide survey) and 424 participants (196 men, average age of 58.8 years, and 212 women, average age of 54.6 years) of the Hunt on the Silent Killer (HSK) (opportunistic screening on islands) were included in these analyses. The same questionnaire was applied containing questions about health issues, therapy, habits and opinion on pharmacists' and MA role in hypertension treatment. RESULTS: Men of both projects had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference. In EH-UH 2 significantly more women had arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia,and more men suffered myocardial infarction. More HSK participants were in favour of pharmacists having a role in hypertension treatment (137 vs 34) than EH-UH 2 participants, and within EH-UH 2 there were statistically more negative answers, with women in majority (χ² = 4.74, p = 0.029). The results of the EH-UH 2 pointed out a significant more negative attitude towards MA (403 vs. 823, p < 0.001) with hypertensive participants being the majority against the mobile applications (60.5%, χ² = 47.6, p < 0.001). Education was the most common answer for the role of the pharmacists in hypertension treatment (22.8%). Smartphone ownership was higher in younger age groups in both projects, with a significant difference between the age groups. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists-led interventions (lifestyle support and adherence increasing programs) have to be individualized. This research showed the need to individualize the hypertension treatment approach to the different areas of Croatia, with less accessible area participants expressing the need for additional interventions in hypertension management.