The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #50854

Cielito C Reyes-Gibby, DrPH, Pain Research Group, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Box 221, Houston, TX 77030, (713) 745-3591, creyes@mdanderson.org

While it is recognized that certain populations have a greater propensity to HTN, and that culture may be a factor, empirical investigations on cultural beliefs relating to HTN are lacking. This study reports the development of a questionnaire assessing cultural beliefs relating to HTN in the town of San Antonio, Philippines. Item pool generation through focus group discussions, item analyses, reliability (test-retest; internal consistency) and validity analyses were undertaken. A 13-item questionnaire measuring cultural beliefs relating to HTN was developed and was subsequently administered in a cluster survey of residents aged > 30 years in May 1998. Sixty clusters were drawn from areas comprising the town using probability proportionate to size sampling technique. Seven households were visited per cluster and one respondent was randomly chosen for interview and measurement of blood pressure. Eighty-four percent of eligible respondents participated. Results showed HTN prevalence was 23%. Among the prevailing beliefs and practices are: 58% believe that fatness is a sign of health and wealth; 78% believe that eating a particular vegetable causes HTN; 67% believe that eating pleasure is diminished without a salty sauce; and 30% believe that having HTN is God’s will. This study provided a valid and reliable questionnaire for assessing cultural beliefs relating to HTN in the Filipino population. Given that Filipinos comprise a large proportion of the foreign-born in the US, the findings from this survey provides information that may be essential in tailoring prevention and control efforts that are relevant and appropriate to the Filipino population.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, the audience will be able to

• identify at least 3 cultural beliefs and practices relating to hypertension;
• discuss the process of item pool generation and assessment of reliability and validity of a questionnaire; and
• state the importance of incorporating cultural beliefs and practices in developing health programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.