[The experience of men with hypertension].

Abstract

Many studies show that men make specific lifestyle choices. However, regarding high blood pressure (HBP), guidelines are without distinction for gender. The purpose of this project is to explore the men's experience with HBP. Using a phenomenological design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten men living with HBP to explore beliefs and perceptions of men living with HBP. The main framework used is the health belief model. Two themes emerged: the meaning given to HBP (an unavoidable disease, the trivialization of HBP et HBP as synonymous of stress) and the management of this illness (the notion of control, the paradox of knowing about what to do and implementation of healthy lifestyle, relationship with health professionals). These results bring a better understanding of the experience of men with hypertension.