Previous studies have established that refugees, including the Hmong, have a high prevalence of psychological distress resulting from war trauma and migration. This study assesses the prevalence of psychological distress among hypertensive Hmong, and examines the methods they use to cope with their high blood pressure. Two hundred hypertensive Hmong were administered a 95-item culturally-tailored quality of care survey instrument. Included in the survey instrument were measures of the following coping styles adapted from the COPE inventory: planning, action, social support, adaptation, and denial. We also measured levels of helplessness and hopelessness in the context of whether respondents felt able to control their hypertension. The data presented are preliminary and final data are forthcoming. Findings indicate that respondents take action to lower their blood pressure (83%) and plan how to do so (95%). The data also reflect that respondents learn to live with (67%) and use social support (62%) to cope with their hypertension. However, results also indicate a moderate level of denial (49%) and that many feel helpless (74%) and hopeless (50%) about their ability to lower their blood pressure. Respondents, experiencing psychological distress (97%), report non-compliance with medication regimens (94%) and delays in seeking medical care (97%). In conclusion, results indicate that augmenting access to mental health services and changing the methods in which health care providers communicate with their Hmong patients will contribute to both improved patient adherence to medical management plans and health outcomes.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Depression, Hypertension
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.