Compliance With Antihypertensive Medication in Chinese Immigrants: Cultural Specific Issues and Theoretical Application

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical framework to study medication compliance in Chinese immigrants with hypertension (HTN). The framework was developed from (a) literature review of medication compliance and Chinese cultural belief/practices and (b) critique of major models of health behaviors in persons with chronic illness. Four constructs shape the model: motivation, cultural health perceptions, modifying factors, and cultural health care activities. Among these constructs, cultural health perceptions and health care activities are especially important because these address how Chinese immigrants perceive HTN and antihypertensive treatments and how they manage HTN. Using a culturally sensitive model is important to guide studies of medication compliance in this population and to assist health care providers to support compliance with antihypertensive treatments for Chinese immigrants.