Purpose: To develop and empirically test a conceptual model that explains the factors influencing antihypertensive medication adherence behavior in elderly patients in a city in western China.
Patients and Methods: The conceptual model was based on the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Health Belief Model and was empirically tested using cross-sectional survey data from Nanchong City, a city in western China, collected between October and December 2020. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Results: Behavioral intentions were the main predictor of medication adherence behavior (path coefficient of 0.353). Perceived benefits and perceived barriers directly (path coefficient = 0.201 and − 0.150, respectively), and indirectly (path coefficient = 0.118 and − 0.060) through behavioral intentions, influenced medication adherence behavior. Perceived susceptibility (path coefficient = 0.390) and perceived severity (path coefficient = 0.408) influenced behavioral attitudes, which influenced behavioral intentions (path coefficient = 0.298).
Conclusion: The conceptual model demonstrates a robust ability to predict and explain medication adherence behavior among elderly patients with hypertension, facilitating the adoption and maintenance of changes in adherence behavior and the potential for preventing disease progression and improving quality of life.
Keywords: compliance, theory of planned behavior, health belief model, elderly patients, China