Lay beliefs about hypertension: an interpretive synthesis of the qualitative research.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this interpretive synthesis was to explore lay beliefs about high blood pressure and its treatment in order to develop a foundation for better partnering with clients.


METHODS
Meta-interpretation was used to analyze 11 qualitative research studies published in the United States between 2000 and 2005.


CONCLUSIONS
Professional and lay beliefs about hypertension are not congruent. Historical factors, lack of congruence between belief systems, and poor relationships with providers lead many clients, especially African Americans, to distrust providers and impede the effectiveness of treatment plans. The most problematic discrepancies were related to beliefs about (a) the presence of symptoms, (b) the need to take medications for the rest of life, and (c) race-specific treatment plans. The interactions between nurse practitioners and hypertensive clients have not been explored.


CONCLUSIONS
Professional-client interactions based on partnership models, with specific consideration for the above-stated discrepancies in beliefs, are necessary to improve hypertension control.
Department of Baccalaureate and Graduate Nursing, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky 40475-3102, USA. pam.schlomann@eku.edu
Pam
P
Schlomann
Joan
J
Schmitke
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008019:Life Style; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design; D012307:Risk Factors; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D035502:Trust; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology