Real-world Insights into Hypertension Management Using the HT-GAMZE Questionnaire: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Hypertension remains one of the most significant preventable causes of cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal failure, and premature death worldwide.Despite effective pharmacological options and evidence-based lifestyle interventions, optimal blood pressure control remains inadequate in many populations.Patient non-adherence, insufficient lifestyle modification, and socio-cultural dynamics are major contributors to poor hypertension outcomes.In Türkiye, culturally embedded practices-including the use of herbal remedies, garlic, lemon, and other alternative methods-may further influence adherence and self-management behaviors.This study aimed to design and implement an original, culturally adapted assessment tool, the hypertension therapy-global assessment of management, zero non-compliance, and evaluation of quality of life (HT-GAMZE) questionnaire, to evaluate antihypertensive medication adherence, lifestyle modification behaviors, awareness of hypertension-related risks, and perceived quality of life among Turkish hypertensive patients. Material and Methods:In this cross-sectional study, 300 hypertensive patients aged 30-80 years who had been receiving antihypertensive therapy for at least six months complet ed the HT-GAMZE questionnaire.The instrument assessed demographic characteristics, pharmacological adherence, lifestyle behaviors (diet, salt intake, physical activity), use of alternative therapies, and perceived changes in quality of life after treatment.Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha.Descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Spearman correlation analysis were used for data interpretation.Results: The mean total HT-GAMZE score was 74.2±11.1,indicating good pharmacological adherence but only moderate lifestyle modification.Women showed significantly higher adherence than men (p=0.01), and patients aged 45-65 showed better compliance (p=0.03).Monotherapy was associated with higher adherence than combination therapy (p=0.02).Thirty percent reported using alternative methods, while only 40% engaged in regular exercise.Regular exercisers achieved significantly higher lifestyle modification scores (p