African American women's perceptions of the meaning of support groups for improving adherence to hypertension treatment: a conceptual model

Abstract

Aim To investigate the meaning of support groups and the features of these groups that African American (AA) women view as improving adherence to high blood pressure (HBP) treatment. The study generated a conceptual model to illuminate features of these groups that influence adherence of AA women to HBP treatment. Design Qualitative research. Methods Used focus groups and open‐ended questions to obtain the views of 26 eligible AA women, recruited from South Los Angeles. Line‐by‐line review and coding of interview transcripts were done. The feedback was used to specify a conceptual model depicting the meaning of support groups. The Consolidated Criteria for the Reporting of Qualitative Research guidelines were used. Results The conceptual model depicts the meaning of support groups as information giving/knowledge sharing, emotional or psychological support, instrumental support and coaching, and facilitators and barriers to joining support groups and factors for consideration in forming these groups.

Service quality: perspective of people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension in rural and urban public primary healthcare centers in Iran

“…The significant role of the support groups in controlling patients with T2DM and/or hypertension, especially in LMICs with a rising burden of diabetes, is well documented. For example, studies have reported that support groups can enhance diabetes knowledge and psychosocial functioning [ 24 , 25 ], improve diabetes outcomes [ 26 , 27 ], and enhance self-management behaviors [ 27 , 28 ]. Therefore, it is of fundamental importance to take advantage of support groups when providing services for patients with diabetes or other chronic health conditions.…”

Exploring a New Natural Treating Agent for Primary Hypertension: Recent Findings and Forthcoming Perspectives

“…Social isolation, low income, depression, or psychological distress have been ascertained as causes of withdrawal during treatment [3,16,18,19]. Statistical analyses from the investigation of African American women, Latino migrants, seasonal farmworkers, Chinese people, and people from south-west Nigeria have illustrated that social supports could promote patient adherence to treatment via sharing information and assisting in bringing about life style changes [20,21,22,23]. Surprisingly, about 10.3% of hypertension patients develop hypertensive resistance during the treatment regimen, which may be typified by a lower response to medications [24].…”