The illness beliefs, perceptions, and practices of Filipino Americans with hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to describe the illness beliefs, perceptions, and practices of Filipino Americans (FAs) with hypertension (HTN) to reveal their explanatory models (EMs) of the illness.


METHODS
Audiotapes and transcripts of focus group interviews and observational notes were subjected to content analysis. Medical records and related empirical studies provided supporting data.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, the EMs of FAs with HTN correspond to the biomedical model in relation to causes, consequences, and treatment of HTN. However, in spite of this biomedical knowledge, FAs with HTN have difficulty maintaining the required lifestyle changes and adhering to the medication regimen to control their illness.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important for NPs to assess the EMs of FAs with HTN, including their use of traditional folk remedies and practitioners of folk medicine. The challenge is to provide cardiovascular health promotion and education in a culturally sensitive, congruent, and tailored manner to FAs with HTN to help them control their illness.
dela Cruz
Felicitas A
FA
School of Nursing, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California 91702, USA. fdelacruz@apu.edu
Galang
Carmen B
CB
D001213:Asian / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology*; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002140:California; D015984:Causality; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008019:Life Style / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010679:Philippines / Q000208:ethnology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires