African American women's perceptions of the meaning of support groups for improving adherence to hypertension treatment: a conceptual model.

AIM

To investigate the meaning of support groups and the features of these groups that African American (AA) women view as improving adherence to high blood pressure (HBP) treatment. The study generated a conceptual model to illuminate features of these groups that influence adherence of AA women to HBP treatment.

DESIGN

Qualitative research.

METHODS

Used focus groups and open-ended questions to obtain the views of 26 eligible AA women, recruited from South Los Angeles. Line-by-line review and coding of interview transcripts were done. The feedback was used to specify a conceptual model depicting the meaning of support groups. The Consolidated Criteria for the Reporting of Qualitative Research guidelines were used.

RESULTS

The conceptual model depicts the meaning of support groups as information giving/knowledge sharing, emotional or psychological support, instrumental support and coaching, and facilitators and barriers to joining support groups and factors for consideration in forming these groups.