Self-care management strategies used by Black women who self-report consistent adherence to antihypertensive medication

Figures & data

Table 1 Semistructured focus group question examples

Primary questions and probes	Themes and subthemes
How would you describe your experience with HTN? • How did you feel when you first found out you had high blood pressure (HBP)? • What symptoms were you experiencing at that time? • What concerns you or scares you most about having HBP? • What changes have you experienced in your normal daily activities that are related to your having HBP? • Tell me about some of the information you received from your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Do you think you got all the information you need to manage your blood pressure (BP) and keep it controlled? • Tell me about some of the BP information you received from family, friends, or significant others.	HTN Experience • Emotional responses to diagnosis • Consequences of nonadherence • Knowledge associated with HTN
How has your consistent medication adherence influenced your involvement with HTN treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider and your relationship with your healthcare provider? • What do you do to remember to take your BP meds each day? • How do you monitor your BP to make sure it is within the normal range? • What are some things that make it easy for you to take your medications every day or follow the BP treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider? • What are some things that make it difficult for you to take your medications every day or follow the BP treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider? • Is losing weight a problem for you? What is your personal plan to decrease your weight? • What types of physical activity do you currently do with the intention of getting health benefits or getting physically fit? • What types of soul foods do you currently eat? • In what ways has your healthcare provider worked with you to help you reduce your weight, increase your physical activity or change your eating habits? • Tell me about your relationship with your healthcare provider. • Since being diagnosed with HBP, tell me about some home remedies you have used. • Tell me about any changes you have made in the way you take your HBP medications that is different from the way your healthcare provider told you to take your HBP medications. • What do you do if you disagree with the HBP medications or HBP treatment plan that your healthcare provider has prescribed for you?	Involvement with Treatment Regimen • Medication routine • BP monitoring • Taking BP medications as prescribed • Lifestyle changes • Trusting, collaborative relationship with healthcare provider
What is important to your success with medication adherence? • Does Black culture or your circle of family and friends influence your ability to manage your HBP? • If you could name one thing that drives your BP up, what would that be? How do you deal with it? • During your journey with HBP, name one thing that has contributed most to your success in controlling your BP? • What or who motivates or influences you to take your HBP medication and do what you need to do to control your BP. • What part does religion/spirituality play in helping you keep your BP controlled?	Strong motivated mentality • No use of home remedies for HTN • Medication adherence not influenced by culture • Dealing with stress • Living a quality-life free of HTN complications • Strong spiritual/religious beliefs

Abbreviation: HTN, hypertension.

Table 2 Sample characteristics and demographics (N=20)

Characteristics	N (%) or Mean (±SD) (Range)
Age (years)	54.7 (±13.09) (25–71)
Marital status
Single (never married)	4 (20)
Married	9 (45)
Separated/divorced	7 (35)
Employment status
Employed	11 (55)
Unemployed/disabled	3 (15)
Retired	6 (30)
Education
High school graduate/GED or equivalent	3 (15)
Some community college	4 (20)
Graduated community college	2 (10)
Graduated 4-year college	6 (30)
Completed graduate school	5 (25)
Income
<$19,999	4 (20)
$20,000 to $34,999	4 (20)
$35,000 to $54,999	2 (10)
$55,000 to $74,999	6 (30)
$75,000 to >$100,000	4 (20)
Years diagnosed with hypertension, years
<10	7 (35)
10–20	10 (50)
30–38	3 (15)
Current cigarette smoker
No	15 (75)
Yes	5 (25)
Currently drink alcohol
No	14 (70)
Yes	6 (30)
Engage in physical activity
No	4 (20)
1–3 days per week	9 (45)
4–7 days per week	7 (35)
Health coverage
Insurance	14 (70)
Medicaid/medicare	5 (25)
Free clinic	1 (5)
Belief in God	20 (100)
Religious denomination
Baptist	13 (65)
Other denomination	5 (25)
None	2 (10)
Church attendance
More than once a week	7 (35)
Every week	10 (50)
One to two times per month	3 (15)

Abbreviation: GED, general educational development or high school equivalency diploma.