Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To investigate how and how much health literacy and self-efficacy can make an influence on treatment adherence of hypertensive elders. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Participants were those aged 65 or older who regularly visited one of five seniors welfare centers hosted by D metropolitan ward offices, were diagnosed with hypertension, and voluntarily agreed to participate in this study after. In total, the questionnaires of 190 respondents were selected for the final analysis. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the effect of participants’ health literacy and self-efficacy on treatment adherence. Findings: First, model that inputs as explanatory variables which were general characteristics of the participant: age, level of education, and gender variables and disease related characteristics: number of associated disease, duration of hypertension, level of stress were statistically significant, and explained 4.8% of treatment adherence. Stress and gender were predictor variables, and these variables were statistically related to treatment adherence. In the second step, when capability of oral health literacy and functional health literacy variables were put in the control condition of general characteristics and disease related characteristics, this model was statistically significant and explained 7.0% of treatment adherence. Predictor variables were stress, gender, and oral health literacy, and they were statistically related to treatment adherence. In the third step, when self-efficacy was put in the control condition of general characteristics and disease- related characteristics, this model was statistically significant and the explanatory power increased to 38%. Self-efficacy and level of education were shown as major predictor variables. Application/Improvements: To promote the treatment adherence of hypertensive elders, it is necessary to develop and apply programs for self-efficacy improvement. 
Keywords: Hypertensive Elderly, Health Literacy, Self-efficacy, Treatment Adherence