title: Exploring the role of religiosity in hypertension management among African Americans.
abstract: The role of religiosity in hypertension management among African Americans was studied. Data were collected from in-depth, personal interviews with 20 African Americans who had been diagnosed with hypertension for at least one year. A majority of the participants used their religious beliefs as protective, control, and coping mechanisms in the management of hypertension. Their personal religious commitment enabled them to feel protected from immediate and long-term negative consequences of hypertension, as well as find meaning in and exert control over hypertension management. Furthermore, religious beliefs served to enhance their ability to cope with having hypertension. These findings support the utility and value of religiosity in the management of hypertension among African Americans. Implications for hypertension management and educational interventions are offered.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Practice and Administration Division, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin 78712-1074, USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires