Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Health Education and Promotion
Advisor
John M. Saindon
Abstract
Religion plays an essential role in managing health; however, there is limited research on religious practices among Black churchgoers diagnosed with hypertension. This research aims to understand how religious practices influence self-care in Black churchgoers diagnosed with hypertension. The sample consisted of 21 Black men and women, ages 29 to 70 years, with a clinical diagnosis of hypertension. Participants were recruited from two local, predominately Black churches in South Carolina and administered semistructured interviews to participants. A grounded theory design was used, and the data analysis consisted of constant comparison. Two core concepts were identified. One core concept identified was Self-Care Through Religious Teaching. Participants described religious practices’ influence in two typologies: (a) God’s Role and (b) Biblical Instruction. Religious teachings, cultivated from religion, provided information that encouraged participants’ behavior, actions, and intentions. The second core concept identified was Self-Care Through Religion. Participants described religious practices’ influence in two typologies: (a) health-awareness and (b) self-awareness. Religion stimulated a sense of awareness that was demonstrated through religious practices. Participants’ religion provided teachings that influenced beliefs and behavior that was demonstrated through religious practices. For these Black churchgoers, religion was a massive contributor to the influence of the self-management of their hypertension. Findings may be used for positive social change by faith-based leaders and health care professionals.
Recommended Citation
Davis, Taquina C., "Understanding How Religious Practices Influence Self-Care in Black Churchgoers Diagnosed with Hypertension" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 10898.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/10898
