Helping Hypertensive Latinos to Improve Medication Adherence

Poor medication adherence is a major contributor to inadequate BP control, and is associated with 125,000 deaths annually. Translation of adherence interventions to community-based primary care practices where majority of Latino patients receive care is non-existent. Thus, the development of tailored interventions targeted at improving medication adherence in the Latino population is needed in order to address the racial disparities in BP control between Latinos and whites. This proposal provides a unique opportunity to address this gap in the literature. Using a randomized control design (RCT), the study will evaluate the effect of a culturally tailored, practice-based intervention on medication adherence in 148 high-risk Latino patients with uncontrolled HTN. To facilitate translation into routine practices, the intervention will be integrated into the clinic's electronic medical record (EMR) system, and will be delivered by trained, bilingual Health Coaches.