Bennett, Janell2018-06-282018-06-282011-05-30http://hdl.handle.net/11274/9925Hypertension in African American men is an increasingly serious problem and the mortality and morbidity rates are high. Over half of Americans with chronic diseases do not take their medications as prescribed. The aim of this study was to explore how beliefs and attitudes influence medication adherence in African American men 45 years of age and above with high blood pressure. An interpretive (hermeneutic) phenomenology research methodology was used to investigate the phenomenon. A purposive sample of 17 African American men participated in semi-structured interviews at churches and community centers. Data analysis using Crist and Tanner's approach (2003) provided a systematic guide to interpreting transcripts, identifying central concerns and shared meanings, clarifying emerging interpretations, and reporting interpretations. The discussion of the findings is organized to first describe the overarching theme understanding the impact of high blood pressure. Next the three themes of awareness, which support the over arching theme, are described. They are feeling no symptoms, becoming aware of serious complications, and managing with hypertension. Each theme has one or more sub-themes. Information obtained from this research will give health care professionals knowledge to provide competent care of African American men with hypertension.en-USHigh blood pressureAfrican American menMedication adherenceBlood pressure medicationDissertation