While working in a clinic on the south side of Chicago with a large African American Population I became concerned as to the incidence and prevalence of hypertension in this group. African Americans have earlier onset and greater severity of hypertension and the majority of clients that entered our clinic were diagnosed with hypertension. The clinic participated in community outreach fairs addressing health issues, sharing educational information to the public regarding hypertension and other medical conditions. We also informed the public about services that were offered. And encouraged clients to seek out medical care regarding hypertension. This approach encompasses both primary prevention that included screening and educational resources
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The health belief model recognizes that if an individual perceives a threat of having an illness for example, a family history of hypertension and its associated complications. The individual will take action to protect his or her health and this can be accomplished through education and community awareness programs. Often I have assessed that individuals will not seek help until he or she perceives a threat such as severe headaches, weakness or unresolved dizziness and or a loved one who has had a stroke related to uncontrolled …show more content…
This theory also provides a basis for patterns of behavior, the acquirement of certain behaviors and the environment by which these patterns are performed.
When assessing this population one must assess the belief system regarding health and the use of non-pharmacological self-administered healing approaches. Unlike the health belief model that focuses on a perceived threat that will cause action, the self-efficacy and social cognitive theories assesses the social environment by which these behaviors are performed. Such as the availability of certain foods, family, friends, colleagues and physical space. Research has established that “some Africans-Americans view self-care practices such as taking home remedies as a viable option and, in some cases, the only option for care. Historically, “home remedies and other forms of self-treatment were a necessity for this population, in the absences of sufficient health care providers and resources” (Taylor, Boyd, & Shimp, 1989, p.
The health belief model recognizes that if an individual perceives a threat of having an illness for example, a family history of hypertension and its associated complications. The individual will take action to protect his or her health and this can be accomplished through education and community awareness programs. Often I have assessed that individuals will not seek help until he or she perceives a threat such as severe headaches, weakness or unresolved dizziness and or a loved one who has had a stroke related to uncontrolled …show more content…
This theory also provides a basis for patterns of behavior, the acquirement of certain behaviors and the environment by which these patterns are performed.
When assessing this population one must assess the belief system regarding health and the use of non-pharmacological self-administered healing approaches. Unlike the health belief model that focuses on a perceived threat that will cause action, the self-efficacy and social cognitive theories assesses the social environment by which these behaviors are performed. Such as the availability of certain foods, family, friends, colleagues and physical space. Research has established that “some Africans-Americans view self-care practices such as taking home remedies as a viable option and, in some cases, the only option for care. Historically, “home remedies and other forms of self-treatment were a necessity for this population, in the absences of sufficient health care providers and resources” (Taylor, Boyd, & Shimp, 1989, p.