Date of Award
Summer 2026
Document Type
DNP Executive Summary
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
Faculty Chair
Dr. Ashlie Barnes
Preceptor
Dr. Gregory Mercier
Abstract
Background: Adherence to antihypertensive medications is essential for decreasing long-term consequences of uncontrolled hypertension, including stroke, kidney failure, and cardiovascular diseases. However, nonadherence is a widespread problem among patients diagnosed with hypertension. In patients who have been diagnosed with hypertension in the past year, more than half stop taking their medications. Mobile health interventions, such as text message or telephone reminders, are a low-cost way to improve medication adherence.
Purpose: The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice project is to examine how a weekly text message or telephone reminder impacts medication adherence among patients taking antihypertensives in a rural primary care setting. No current initiatives were in place to measure adherence or remind patients to take medications.
Project Design: The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was administered to eligible patients who came to the office for a routine visit before project implementation. Secondary data was utilized to contact patients who were not scheduled for a visit but had been diagnosed with hypertension within the past year. Patients received text or telephone reminders for eight weeks, and the MMAS-8 was administered post-intervention. Data was analyzed using a paired t-test.
Results: Eighteen patients were identified, with a completion rate of 14 out of 18 (77.8%). After eight weeks, 64.3% of participants who completed the post-intervention survey reported increased adherence to antihypertensive medication.
Conclusion: Weekly text or telephone reminders were effective in improving adherence to antihypertensive medication.
Recommended Citation
Weaver, Amanda M., "Addressing Hypertension Medication Non-Adherence Through the Use of Reminders and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale in Adults Diagnosed within the Past Year in a Rural Primary Care Clinic" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects. 145.
https://digitalcommons.jsu.edu/etds_nursing/145
Podium Presentation Slides
Weaver DNP Poster Presentation Faculty 6-18-26.pptx (1445 kB)
Poster Slides