Experiences of stress among West Africa‐born immigrant women with hypertension in Washington DC area

Abstract

Objective To report a study that explored hypertension (HTN) stress and coping experiences of West‐Africa‐born immigrant (WABI) women in Washington DC Metropolitan area of the United States. Design and sample This qualitative study conducted from December 2017 to May 2018 involved WABI women (n = 15) in Washington Metropolitan area that self‐reported diagnosis of HTN. The transactional model of stress and coping (TMSC) provided the conceptual framework. Data collection was through semi‐structured one‐on‐one interviews. Data analysis was done through manual open‐hand coding of themes. Results Three themes emerged from the analysis: Perceived Stressors, Sources of Stress, and Coping Measures. Participants perceived that their HTN diagnosis contributed to their stress; reported other financial, school, work, trauma, household and marriage‐related stressors, and coping measures that include faith‐based and other recreational leisure activities. Conclusion Participants mentioned stressors related to lack of support with domestic house chores and described various religious practices as coping strategies. These findings provide additional insights relevant to several ongoing public health nursing conversations on acute and chronic stress management in different parts of the globe. Public health nurses need to utilize these findings when assessing stressors and considering safe coping measures that appeal to WABI women experiencing HTN or chronic illness.