Acculturation, Health Literacy, and Illness Perceptions of Hypertension among Hispanic Adults

Purpose: Hypertension treatment rates are disproportionately lower among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic Whites and non-Hispanic Blacks. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among acculturation, health literacy, and illness perceptions of hypertension among Hispanics. Design: A cross-sectional correlational design was used, including 144 Hispanic adults with a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension. Method: The instruments used included the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics, the Newest Vital Sign instrument to measure health literacy, and the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. Results: Significant relationships were found among acculturation, health literacy, and several illness perceptions (consequences, control, symptoms, and emotions). Conclusion: Acculturation and health literacy play an important role in illness perceptions of hypertension among Hispanics. Implications: Findings could be helpful in the development of tailored health promotion interventions to improve hypertension management among Hispanic adults.