Open AccessConocimientos de la hipertensión: Health beliefs about hypertension in an under-resourced community in the Dominican Republic
Author(s) -
Jasmine A. Abrams,
Bryan Castro,
Sushmita Gordhandas,
Anna Grzegorczyk,
Morgan Maxwell,
Bridgette M. Brawner,
Donaldson F. Conserve,
Mark Ryan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0235088
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , medicine , health promotion , psychological intervention , disease , health care , medline , public health , gerontology , qualitative research , psychology , family medicine , nursing , political science , social science , pathology , sociology , law
Understanding health beliefs is important to facilitate health promotion and disease prevention as they influence health behaviors, outcomes, and disease management. Given the rise of hypertension-related diseases in the Dominican Republic, the purpose of our study was to identify hypertension-related health beliefs of Dominicans in order to inform the development of culturally appropriate interventions for hypertension prevention, care, and treatment. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 Dominicans, 15 of whom were receiving treatment for hypertension. Operating within the interpretative paradigmatic framework, we conducted thematic analyses of interview data to identify hypertension-related health beliefs and practices. Iterative data analysis revealed the following themes: 1) Negative emotions are a primary cause of hypertension, 2) Medication is the best treatment but adherence is challenging, 3) Systemic barriers impede treatment access, 4) Hypertension negatively impacts mental and physical well-being, and 5) Lifestyle changes, relaxation, and social support help manage hypertension. Data gathered from member checking validated these findings. This study enhances understanding of the beliefs and experiences of Dominicans and emphasize the importance of implementing culturally competent health programming and care.