Explanatory Models for hypertension among Zambian immigrants in a Midwestern state
Abstract
Background. Explanatory Models (EMs) are important in the management of hypertension because patient adherence to treatment regimen is poor if there is a difference in EMs between patients and healthcare professionals. With increase in prevalence of hypertension among people of the African descent, understanding their EMs for hypertension is ever more imperative. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the explanatory models used by Zambian immigrants to explain hypertension. Methods. The study used qualitative research methods based on grounded theory to explore illness’ beliefs and perceptions of Zambian immigrants with the goal of revealing their EMs for hypertension. An average of 35-minutes in-depth interviews were conducted with participants and participants completed a self administered demographic survey on. Content analysis was conducted on the transcripts to develop themes both in responses to the interview guides. Results. Ten participants were males and twelve were females. The median length of stay in the US and Indiana was 9 and 6.5 years, respectively. Participants described hypertension as a silent killer that is both serious and common in the community. Major causes of hypertension as described by most of the participants centered around stress, lifestyle, genetics/heredity, and old age. Participants described hypertension as a symptomatic illness and the majority of them believed that the consequence of hypertension is stroke or death. Most participants were apprehensive about the use of medication because of fear of becoming dependent on them. Women were perceived to be at a higher risk of hypertension because of biological factors such as menopause and tendency to worry about their children and family, and cultural factors such as having more social responsibilities than men. Women also had more awareness about hypertension than men through their social networks. Men were less likely to discuss hypertension in their social networks out of concern for US privacy laws. Participants expressed a desire for increased hypertension awareness in the community. The results of the study indicate that health care providers have to understand the daily life experiences of patients if hypertension treatment adherence is to be achieved.
Degree
M.P.H.
Advisors
Okoror, Purdue University.
Subject Area
African American Studies|Black studies|Social research|Public health
Off-Campus Purdue Users:
To access this dissertation, please log in to our
proxy server.