Self-Management of Hypertension in Hispanic Adults

Almost one third of the U.S. population has hypertension. Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanic individuals have significantly lower levels of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. This article provides an integrative review of factors that may influence self-management of hypertension among Hispanic adults. A detailed literature search of articles published between 1985 and 2010 was performed. Twelve articles based on quantitative studies (n = 9) and qualitative studies (n = 3) were reviewed. Barriers and facilitators to self-management of hypertension were identified. The findings in this review may help health care professionals in recognizing factors that need to be considered in the development of self-management interventions for Hispanic patients with hypertension. Future research is needed to further explore facilitators to self-management, and to implement and evaluate intervention studies aimed at blood pressure management in Hispanics with hypertension.