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Adherence treatment factors in hypertensive African American women

Marie N Fongwa1, Lorraines S Evangelista, Ron D Hays

  • 1University of California Los Angeles School of Nursing, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6917, USA. mfongwa@sonnet.ucla.edu

Vascular Health and Risk Management
|July 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Adherence to hypertension treatment in African American women is influenced by beliefs, facilitators, and barriers. Understanding these factors is key to improving blood pressure control in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Cardiology
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Hypertension affects African American women at epidemic rates, with nonadherence contributing to uncontrolled blood pressure.
  • Factors influencing treatment adherence in this demographic remain largely unknown.
  • This study aimed to identify key factors associated with hypertension treatment adherence in African American women.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors associated with adherence to hypertension treatment.
  • To understand the perspectives of African American women regarding their hypertension management.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted five audio-taped focus groups with hypertensive African American women (≥35 years) receiving care at an inner-city free clinic.
  • Analyzed focus group transcripts to identify themes related to treatment adherence.

Main Results:

  • Identified three primary categories of factors influencing adherence: beliefs about hypertension, facilitators of adherence, and barriers to adherence.
  • Specific beliefs, available support systems, and obstacles were detailed within these categories.

Conclusions:

  • Emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive educational materials on hypertension management and medication side effects.
  • Recommends early depression screening for hypertensive African Americans and the formation of support groups to enhance treatment adherence.
  • Highlights the importance of addressing individual beliefs, facilitators, and barriers for effective hypertension management in African American women.
Abstract

Keywords:
African Americanadherencehypertension treatment factors

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