# Access to health services and its influence on adherence to treatment of arterial hypertension during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Hospital in Callao, Peru: A cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study explores how access to health services during the pandemic affected treatment adherence for hypertension in a Peruvian hospital.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific factors influencing treatment adherence for hypertension during the pandemic in a Peruvian hospital setting.

## Key findings

- Non-adherence was linked to high health expenses and lack of doctor availability.
- Fear of hospital visits and distrust in physicians significantly reduced adherence.
- Long waiting times and scheduling difficulties also contributed to poor adherence.

## Abstract

Background: Access to health services compromises therapeutic adherence in patients with arterial hypertension (HTN), which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and premature death. The aim of the research is to determine the influence of access to health services on adherence to antihypertensive treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: We included a cross-sectional analytical study. A survey was applied to 241 hypertensive patients at the Daniel Alcides Carrión Hospital, Callao-Peru. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Absolute and relative frequencies were reported and the chi-square test was applied with a statistical significance level of p<0.05. In addition, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using the Stepwise method.

Results: Our results show that non-adherence to treatment is associated with health expenses (ORa: 1.9 CI 95% 1.7-2.2), not receiving care due to lack of a doctor (ORa: 2.8 CI 95% 1.5-3.2), having difficulty with schedules (ORa: 3.7 CI 95% 2. 3-5.5), fear of receiving care at the hospital (ORa: 4.5 CI 95 % 2.7-6.8), trust in health personnel (ORa: 7.5 CI 95% 2.3-10.5) and considering that the physician does not have enough knowledge (ORa: 3.1 CI 95% 2.4-7.8).

Conclusion: Therapeutic adherence was associated with physician availability for care, difficulty with schedules, fear of being seen in the hospital, trust in health personnel, and waiting time.