Description
TitleThe perception of hypertension among Haitian adults: a focused ethnography
Date Created2020
Other Date2020-05 (degree)
Extent1 online resource (x, 157 pages)
DescriptionThe terms “health disparities” and “social justice” are popular buzz words in health care. These terms have been applied locally and internationally when examining the current health conditions and health resources. Since 2010, Haiti has gained much attention from the world with relief efforts and increased attention on the apparent health needs in the country. Despite these efforts, the overall health statistics of the country have not improved (Brown, 2010; Garfield & Berryman, 2012; WHO, 2014). In 2010, in response to the global epidemiological transition, the World Health Organization (WHO) shifted its attention to worldwide non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. With this shift in attention, hypertension has been identified as a worldwide health concern. The purpose of this focused ethnography is to describe Haitians’ perceptions of hypertension which contribute to the meaning of and beliefs about this chronic illness, in order to more fully understand the needs of Haitian adults with hypertension. Kleinman’s Explanatory Model of Illness (Kleinman, A., Eisenberg, L., & Good, B., (1978) serves as the theoretical background for the study. The overarching theme identified is that Haitians perceive hypertension to be a feeling that one gets which should be treated at that moment to prevent falling down. This feeling presents differently and can vary with occurrences and individuals. The feelings identified as being associated with hypertension can actually be a variety of symptoms to include: headache, blurry vision, dizziness, burning, weakness, and shortness of breath. These feelings, known as symptoms in allopathic medicine, are consistent with presenting clinical manifestations of hypertension as well as consistent with the complication of stroke often associated with uncontrolled hypertension. The findings in this study can be expanded upon to inform management and treatment options for this population as well as provide recommendations for healthcare providers serving in developing countries.
NotePh.D.
NoteIncludes bibliographical references
Genretheses, ETD doctoral
LanguageEnglish
CollectionGraduate School - Newark Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Organization NameRutgers, The State University of New Jersey
RightsThe author owns the copyright to this work.
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