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.
Keywords: Hispanics; acculturation; health literacy; hypertension; illness perceptions.
© The Author(s) 2014.