A Grounded Theory of South Asian Older Men Who Have Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a widespread but rarely symptomatic chronic condition characterized by raised blood pressure over a lengthy period of time that causes serious vascular damage. South Asians are nearly three times more susceptible to hypertension than European Whites. As compared to South Asian women, men are more prone to hypertension risk factors such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, remain less compliant with antihypertensive medications, and experience more cardiovascular events and mortality. Age is also a known risk factor of hypertension. How South Asian older men managed their hypertension was a knowledge gap. The current grounded theory revealed the four-stage processes of Savvy the Self for hypertension management in South Asian men aged 55 years and older in a Canadian context: (1) self-care, (2) self-protection, (3) making sense, and (4) equipping self. Findings exposed the links between South Asian men’s masculine identity, cultural beliefs, and disequilibrium in their self-care and developmental needs that emerged with a diagnosis of hypertension. The disequilibrium eventually evoked awakening for South Asian men that mobilized the processes of Savvy the Self leading to their hypertension management. This grounded theory provided insights into South Asian culture and revealed new nursing knowledge to assess, plan, and deliver nursing care for older South Asian men with hypertension. Findings may be useful for health education and services, cultural and faith-based community organizational services, and future research related to professionals’ cultural competency for serving a diverse group of people.