Acculturation and health literacy were significantly related to illness perceptions of hypertension, including consequences, control, symptoms, and emotions among 144 Hispanic adults.
Cross-Sectional (n=144)
PURPOSE: Hypertension treatment rates are disproportionately lower among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among acculturation, health literacy, and illness perceptions of hypertension among Hispanics. DESIGN: A cross-sectional correlational design was used, including 144 Hispanic adults with a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension. METHOD: The instruments used included the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, the Newest Vital Sign instrument to measure health literacy, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. RESULTS: Significant relationships were found among acculturation, health literacy, and several illness perceptions (consequences, control, symptoms, and emotions). CONCLUSION: Acculturation and health literacy play an important role in illness perceptions of hypertension among Hispanics. IMPLICATIONS: Findings could be helpful in the development of tailored health promotion interventions to improve hypertension management among Hispanic adults.
Amelia Perez (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=144). Acculturation and health literacy was evaluated on Illness perceptions of hypertension (consequences, control, symptoms, and emotions). Acculturation and health literacy were significantly related to illness perceptions of hypertension, including consequences, control, symptoms, and emotions among 144 Hispanic adults.