Critical Factors That Influence Adherence to Therapeutic Medical Regimen Among Hypertensive United States Virgin Islanders

Purpose:

The purpose of this grounded theory study is to explore the various factors that may influence hypertensive therapeutic adherence practices of the hypertensive United States Virgin Islander in relation to HTN.The researcher will also attempt to identify the US Virgin Islanders basic understanding of the disease process and of the therapies used in treatment. The researcher will employ a grounded theory method to investigate the social processes that drive this phenomenon and develop a substantive theory that addresses the therapeutic management of hypertension in the United States Virgin Islands. Hypertension is an astounding global public health challenge affecting approximately 60 million Americans and more than 1 billion individuals worldwide.  Hypertension has a fervent implication in cardiovascular disease and premature death it is one of the most common, and most important, modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and peripheral vascular disease. The rate of hypertension among the US Virgin Islander is disquieting when equated to that of persons living on the US mainland. US Virgin Islanders are American citizens living in the Caribbean. Their social structure and cultural influences as a result this is unique and may influence their everyday life patterns in ways that may impact adherence to therapeutic regimens. The purpose of this qualitative study will be to 1) explore the critical factors that influences therapeutic adherence in the hypertensive patient from the US virgin Islands; 2) identify the attitudes of US Virgin Islanders that may impact therapeutic adherence; and 3) determine the health beliefs of US Virgin Islanders that may impact therapeutic adherence. A grounded theory approach will be utilized and Strauss and Corbin’s will guide the data collection and data analysis.

Methods:

This study will use a qualitative design employing a  grounded theory methodology via the lens of Stauss and Corbin. Data will be obtained from semi-structured and foucs group interviews. Data will be analyzed following Strauss and Corbin's technique.

Results:

The results of the study are pending.

Conclusion:

The conclusions of the study  are pending.