African American women's perceptions of the meaning of support groups for improving adherence to hypertension treatment: a conceptual model.
Marie N Fongwa, Felicitas A Dela Cruz, Ron D Hays
PMID 31367409WHAT IT FOUND
Inner-city African American women with high blood pressure described support groups as useful when they share information, offer emotional support, give practical help, and coach daily habits.
Time, cost, transport, and conflict deterred attendance.
Key findings
01Participants described four meanings of hypertension support groups: information sharing, emotional support, practical help, and coaching.
02Barriers to joining included work or appointment conflicts, family duties, transport costs, and negative group attitudes.
03Participants preferred monthly or twice-monthly short sessions on weekdays or Saturdays, with a set place and time and a facilitator who controls group interactions.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
Twenty-six participants were African American women from one South Los Angeles clinic area, so themes may not apply to other groups. The study did not test a support group intervention or measure whether adherence or blood pressure changed. Recruitment was through flyers and calls, so participants may differ from women who did not respond. Some demographic and clinical data were missing. Blood pressure categories were reported using JNC-7 guidelines, and the authors note that newer standards would classify more participants as having stage 1 hypertension.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that support groups improve adherence or blood pressure control. The study asked 26 women what they thought support groups meant and what would help or hinder joining; it did not test a support group intervention or measure adherence or blood pressure outcomes.