Persons’ experiences of having hypertension: An interview study

Background: among the 1-1.5 billion persons with hypertension globally only, 20-30% have controlled blood pressure (BP). The most important problem identified is non-adherence to treatment, i.e., failure to change lifestyle and to take prescribed medication. Knowledge about the reasons for this is limited. Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore people's experiences of having hypertension. Design: Inductive design based on qualitative interviews. Settings: The south of Sweden. Participants: Twelve adults diagnosed with hypertension and treated in primary care were interviewed. Methods: The transcribed interviews were analysed using content analysis, which rendered three categories. Results: The individuals adapted to their diagnosis in different ways. Collaboration with the staff gave security, but the persons still perceived anxiety and uncertainty. Conclusions: To meet the needs of people with hypertension, strategies such as person-centred counselling and care, using digital interventions, following national guidelines and starting nurse-led clinics, may be of help. These strategies can give a foundation for increased self-efficacy, which is crucial for persons to be able to change lifestyle and adhere to prescribed medication in order to achieve BP control.