Migration and Cognitive Representations of Hypertension in African Immigrant Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to use the Self-Regulation Model on African immigrant women, to determine the association of migration and residence in the United States with cognitive representations and dietary behavior, and also to explore migration stress and blood pressure (BP) in them. Participants included a convenience sample of 91 Nigerian immigrant women (NIW) and 38 African American women (AAW). Data collection instruments were the Acculturative Stress Scale and the Women’s and Men’s Hypertension Experiences and Emerging Lifestyle Survey of 2008-2009. Descriptive t test and ANOVA statistics were used to analyze study variables comparing groups and NIW duration of residency in the United States. Knowledge of Hypertension and Cognitive Representation of Hypertension were significantly increased in the NIW by years of residency. Migration stress had no significant relationship with BP level. A longitudinal study initiated on immigrants’ arrival in the United States is recommended to understand the trajectory of chronic illnesses such as hypertension.