Illness perceptions and blood pressure control among hypertensive Filipino Americans: A cross-sectional study.
Felicitas A Dela Cruz, Chong Ho Alex Yu, Brigette T Lao
PMID 38874461WHAT IT FOUND
More threatening beliefs about high blood pressure were linked to stage 2 high blood pressure in hypertensive Filipino Americans.
Ask patients what they fear and believe about high blood pressure, then tailor education and medication support.
Key findings
01Participants' average illness perception score was 4.425 on a 0-10 scale, showing moderately threatening views, with highest scores for emotional concern and time line.
02Participants formed three illness perception clusters: 19.35% in cluster 1, 29.03% in cluster 2, and 52.61% in cluster 3.
03Stage 2 hypertension had an average illness perception score above the sample's overall average, and higher hypertension stage was associated with a higher average illness perception score.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This was a cross-sectional study, so it cannot show whether threatening beliefs caused worse blood pressure or worse blood pressure shaped beliefs. Participants were recruited from community settings and referrals, so the results may not apply to other Filipino Americans or other populations. Most measures were self-reported, so answers could have been influenced by wanting to appear reasonable. Blood pressure was measured only once, averaging two readings, rather than on two separate occasions. The study only assessed the association between illness beliefs and blood pressure control, excluding other possible factors.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that changing beliefs lowers blood pressure. It is a cross-sectional association, and blood pressure was measured only once.