%0 Journal Article
%T Understanding untreated hypertension from patients¡¯ point of view: A qualitative study in rural Yogyakarta province, Indonesia
%A Beata Bajorek
%A Riana Rahmawati
%J Chronic Illness
%@ 1745-9206
%D 2018
%R 10.1177/1742395317718034
%X This study aimed to explore perspectives about hypertension from patients who do not take anti-hypertensive medications. Factors that shape their perspectives as well as patients¡¯ expectations were also canvassed. Individual, face-to-face interviews were conducted with 30 people (¡İ45 years old) living in rural villages, diagnosed with hypertension, who had not taken any anti-hypertensive medications for at least one year. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Four themes emerged: (1) alternative medicines for managing high blood pressure; (2) accessing health care services; (3) the need for anti-hypertensive medications; and (4) existing support and patients¡¯ expectations. Reluctance to take anti-hypertensive medications was influenced by patients¡¯ beliefs in personal health threats and the effectiveness of anti-hypertensive medications, high self-efficacy for taking alternative medicines, the lack of recommendation regarding hypertension treatment, and barriers to accessing supplies of medicines. Despite their awareness of being diagnosed with hypertension, patients undervalued visiting a health professional to control their high blood pressure. Health strategies need to consider patients¡¯ beliefs, concerns and expectations. Providing an accessible, affordable and adequate supply of hypertension medication is also key to any programs designed to optimise hypertension management
%K Hypertension
%K health belief
%K Indonesia
%K adherence
%K self-management
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1742395317718034