Persons' experiences of having hypertension: An interview study

Background: among the 1-1.5 billion persons with hypertension globally only, 20-30% have controlled blood pressure (BP). The most important problem identified is non-adherence to treatment, i.e., failure to change lifestyle and to take prescribed medication. Knowledge about the reasons for this is l...

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Main Authors: Assistant Senior Lecturer Helena Rosén (Author), Associate Professor Eva I Persson (Author), Lecturer Rebecca Gagnemo Persson (Author), Associate Professor Eva Drevenhorn (Author)
Format: Book
Published: Elsevier, 2022-12-01T00:00:00Z.
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Summary:Background: among the 1-1.5 billion persons with hypertension globally only, 20-30% have controlled blood pressure (BP). The most important problem identified is non-adherence to treatment, i.e., failure to change lifestyle and to take prescribed medication. Knowledge about the reasons for this is limited. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore people's experiences of having hypertension. Design: Inductive design based on qualitative interviews. Settings: The south of Sweden. Participants: Twelve adults diagnosed with hypertension and treated in primary care were interviewed. Methods: The transcribed interviews were analysed using content analysis, which rendered three categories. Results: The individuals adapted to their diagnosis in different ways. Collaboration with the staff gave security, but the persons still perceived anxiety and uncertainty. Conclusions: To meet the needs of people with hypertension, strategies such as person-centred counselling and care, using digital interventions, following national guidelines and starting nurse-led clinics, may be of help. These strategies can give a foundation for increased self-efficacy, which is crucial for persons to be able to change lifestyle and adhere to prescribed medication in order to achieve BP control.
Item Description:2666-142X
10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100071