Hypertension Prevention Beliefs of Hispanics

    Authors

    K. J. Aroian; R. M. Peters; N. Rudner;L. Waser

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Transcult. Nurs.

    Keywords

    cardiovascular; community health; Hispanics; AMERICAN IMMIGRANTS; MEXICAN-AMERICANS; PLANNED BEHAVIOR; UNITED-STATES; HEALTH; PREHYPERTENSION; OBESITY; ADULTS; Nursing

    Abstract

    Purpose/Design: This qualitative study used focus group methodology to explore attitudes and beliefs of Hispanics regarding hypertension prevention behaviors. Method: The sample was composed of 17 participants from varied Hispanic backgrounds. The theory of planned behavior guided interview questions. Findings: Analysis indicated that participants were knowledgeable about and had a positive attitude toward preventing hypertension. However, they identified numerous barriers to preventive behaviors. Two key themes, limited resources (e.g., no time to prepare healthy meals or exercise) and cultural expectations and values (e.g., traditional food as a marker of ethnicity, hospitality, and affection; valuing social interaction over solitary exercise) summarized significant barriers to engaging in recommended preventive behaviors. Discussion/Conclusions: Findings suggest that literature about lack of knowledge about hypertension prevention in Hispanics may be outdated or not applicable to many Hispanics. Select resource and cultural barriers to engaging in hypertension prevention behaviors are important areas to target. Implications for Practice: Exercise, stress reduction, and diet modification strategies for hypertension prevention among Hispanics should be consistent with the cultural norms regarding the importance of social interactions and leisure.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Transcultural Nursing

    Volume

    23

    Issue/Number

    2

    Publication Date

    1-1-2012

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    134

    Last Page

    142

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000301801900003

    ISSN

    1043-6596

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