Study Explores Pender’s Model Impact on Medication and Diet Adherence in Uncontrolled Hypertension

August 21, 2026 2 Min Read

Research Overview

A recent study investigated how components of the developed Pender’s health promotion model relate to medication compliance and adherence to a low-salt diet among patients with uncontrolled hypertension in Ahvaz city. The research aimed to identify psychological and social factors influencing these important health behaviors to improve blood pressure control.

Key Findings

The cross-sectional study involved patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure, selected through multistage sampling. Researchers used a specially designed questionnaire based on Pender’s model constructs, covering demographics, diet adherence, and medication compliance. Analysis with PLS SMART software revealed several significant associations:

Self-efficacy showed a positive and significant influence on both adherence to a low-salt diet (path coefficient = 0.25, P < 0.001) and medication adherence (path coefficient = 0.11, P < 0.02).
Perceived sensitivity positively affected adherence to a low-salt diet (path coefficient = 0.17, P < 0.02), suggesting that patients’ awareness of their vulnerability to hypertension complications may motivate dietary changes.
Interpersonal influences were positively linked to low-salt diet adherence (path coefficient = 0.09, P < 0.02), highlighting the role of social support.
Perceived benefits surprisingly had a negative association with low-salt diet adherence (path coefficient = -0.09, P < 0.001), indicating a complex relationship that warrants further exploration.
Perceived barriers negatively impacted medication adherence (path coefficient = -0.13, P < 0.001), underscoring obstacles that patients face in following treatment regimens.

Context and Implications

Hypertension management often requires sustained lifestyle changes and medication adherence, yet many patients struggle with controlling their blood pressure. This study suggests that enhancing patients’ confidence in their ability to manage their condition (self-efficacy) and increasing their perception of risk (perceived sensitivity) may promote healthier behaviors.

Moreover, the influence of social factors and perceived obstacles should be considered in designing interventions. The unexpected negative link between perceived benefits and diet adherence highlights the need for nuanced understanding of patient beliefs.

Limitations and Considerations

As a cross-sectional study, the research identifies associations but cannot establish causation. The findings are specific to patients in Ahvaz city and may not generalize broadly. Additionally, the negative association with perceived benefits suggests complexities that require further investigation.

Conclusion

Incorporating perceived sensitivity into Pender’s health promotion model may enhance its utility for managing uncontrolled hypertension. Interventions focusing on boosting self-efficacy and addressing barriers could improve medication and dietary adherence, potentially leading to better blood pressure control.

For more detailed information, see the original study published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion at PubMed.