Rev Bras Enferm. 2000 Oct-Dec;53(4):574-83. doi: 10.1590/s0034-71672000000400012.

[Experience with arterial hypertension: construction of meanings and its implications for daily life].

Revista brasileira de enfermagem

[Article in Portuguese]
M R Barbosa, M S Jorge

PMID: 12138735 DOI: 10.1590/s0034-71672000000400012

Abstract

The present study originated from a master's thesis. It depicts the Social Representations and causes of hypertension, as well as tries to understand the images and prototypes that women, who suffer from hypertension, have regarding their situation. It investigates how these women perceive themselves in the family and social interaction. Twenty-one women, who were participants of a control program of hypertension, in the suburbs of Fortaleza-Ceará, were the subjects of this study. Results show that, according to the participants in the study, suffering from hypertension means experiencing difficulties and having limitations in social and family life. These women picture themselves as "different", since they live under the threat of death and disability, which causes psychic suffering. The constraints imposed by the disease keep these women aside from the regular social life.

MeSH terms

• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension / psychology
• Interpersonal Relations
• Self Concept

Publication Types

• English Abstract
• Journal Article