A predictive model for identifying low medication adherence among older adults with hypertension: A classification and regression tree model.

Various individual characteristics may affect medication adherence; however, few studies have investigated the effect of interrelationships among these various individual characteristics on medication adherence. This cross-sectional study explored the interrelationships among risk factors for medication adherence and established a predictive model of low medication adherence among older adults with hypertension. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 300 older adults with hypertension. The following parameters were recorded: demographic and disease characteristics, health beliefs, self-efficacy, social support, and medication adherence of antihypertensive drugs. Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was performed to develop a predictive model of low medication adherence. The CART model revealed that health belief, disease duration, self-efficacy, and social support interacted to contribute to various pathways of low medication adherence. The predicted accuracy of the model was validated with a low misclassification rate of 26%. The proposed classification model can help identify risk cases with low medication adherence. Suitable health education programs based on these risk factors to manage and improve medication adherence for older adults with hypertension could be considered.

[Risk factor management in respect of type 2 diabetic complications: ABC management].

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is one of the most costly and burdensome chronic diseases in Taiwan and is a condition increasing in epidemic proportions all over the world. The symptoms of T2DM, including hyperglycemia, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia are among the highest risk factors for the development of complications with the disease. Blood sugar control alone is not enough for T2DM management. Proper HbA1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol level have been proven by many researchers to decrease T2DM morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the public and health care providers should know this latest ABC management to decrease the complications in T2DM.