Stressful life events, discrimination, compliance, and social support among African Americans with managed versus unmanaged hypertension

Abstract

Essential hypertension disproportionately affects African Americans at a staggering 41% of the population. This population health crisis has multiple, complex biopsychosocial-spiritual components that impact the disease management process among African Americans. The purpose of this dissertation is to compare the relationships between stressful life experiences, discrimination, and social support among African Americans with managed versus unmanaged hypertension. It includes a systematic review of the utility of social support in hypertension management among African Americans, as well as the methodology and results from an online survey disseminated to 151 African Americans in the United States. Implications for research, clinical practice, policy, and training to improve the quality of healthcare for African Americans with essential hypertension are provided.