Hypertension Beliefs of Barrouallie, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

[[abstract]]Hypertension (HTN) is rated as one of the most prevalent cause of premature death and disability around the world. In order to begin to take measures concerning preventative and promotional programs the origin of these lifestyle decisions and beliefs must be known and understood. The primary aim of this research is to explore the association between the hypertension beliefs among hypertensives and non-hypertensives. This is a quantitative correlation cross-sectional study which used the health belief model as the research framework. A consented convenient sample of 133 participants was selected from a rural community health centre. Patients were classified into 2 groups; hypertensive and non-hypertensive. A modified Hypertension Beliefs and Behaviors Survey Questionnaire was used to determine hypertension beliefs. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software version 18.0. The independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and chi-square were used to characterize the differences between groups. The findings indicated that 50.4% were hypertensive. Hypertension beliefs had a mean score of 3.74 (SD=0.44). Statistical significant difference was found between age and hypertension diagnosis (p<0.001); personal monthly income and hypertension diagnosis (p<0.05); gender and hypertension knowledge (p<0.001); highest level of education and hypertension knowledge (p<0.05); and hypertension beliefs and religion (p<0.001). Perceived susceptibility (p<0.001) and cues to action (p