Health concepts among sufferers of arterial hypertension

Abstract

Nowadays, Arterial Hypertension (AH) is considered to be a major economic and social problem. Adhesion to treatment is closely linked to the concepts held by sufferers concerning their health/sickness process. With the aim of investigating the concepts of health/sickness among sufferers of AH, a qualitative study with participants of the AH Control Program in Itajaí/ SC was carried out. The individuals were divided into groups A, B and C. This article is resultant from part of the study, and it highlights the concepts of health the above mentioned individuals have. Based on the analysis of semi-structured interviews, seven categories were set. The interviewees see the health/sickness process beyond a simple biological concept, associating it with good relationships, healthy habits and happiness. The most assiduous groups at the Arterial Hypertension Control Program (groups A and B) show a wider range of treatment possibilities for coping with their health condition.