RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Lay beliefs about hypertension among HIV-infected adults in Kenya
JF Open Heart
JO Open Heart
FD British Cardiovascular Society
SP e000570
DO 10.1136/openhrt-2016-000570
VO 4
IS 1
A1 Tecla M Temu
A1 Ehete Bahiru
A1 Fredrick Bukachi
A1 Gerald S Bloomfield
A1 Peter Muiruri
A1 Carey Farquhar
YR 2017
UL http://openheart.bmj.com/content/4/1/e000570.abstract
AB Objective Hypertension affects 23% of Kenyans and is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite this, hypertension awareness and treatment adherence is very low. We conducted a qualitative study to explore lay beliefs about hypertension among HIV-infected adults to inform the development of culture sensitive hypertension prevention and control program.Methods Eight focus group discussions were held for 53 HIV-infected adults at the HIV clinic in Kenya.Results Respondents had difficulties in describing hypertension. Hypertension was considered a temporary illness that is fatal and more serious than HIV. Stress was perceived as a main cause for hypertension with a large majority claiming stress reduction as the best treatment modality. Alcohol and tobacco use were not linked to hypertension. Obesity was cited as a cause of hypertension but weight control was not considered as a treatment modality even though the majority of our participants were overweight. Most participants did not believe hypertension could be prevented.Conclusion Our findings suggest a limited understanding of hypertension among people living with HIV and points to an urgent need to integrate hypertension education programmes in HIV care facilities in Kenya. To effect change, these programmes will need to tie in the culture meaning of hypertension.