TABLE 2.

Taxonomy of patients’ descriptions of hypertension (HTN)

Explanatory Model	Subcategories	Concepts
Perceptions of hypertension	Thinking (too much)	HTN is brought on by stress or rumination
		HTN is a result of environmental factors
	Environmentally mediated Behaviorally mediated	HTN is a result of lifestyle choices, e.g. poor diet
	Management vs. cure	It is unclear if hypertension can be managed or cured and God is a determining factor in that outcome
Consequences	Death	HTN causes death or results in conditions that can cause death
	Comorbid health conditions	HTN causes other serious health conditions
	Symptoms	Certain symptoms may indicate that you have hypertension and/or that blood pressure is elevated
Effect on daily life	Limitations	HTN is a condition that results in lifestyle modifications and/or restrictions
	Medication	Medication for hypertension creates problems for adherence due to cost, side effects, availability and personal issues
Perception of treatment	Medication	HTN can be treated by a combination of orthodox and traditional medicines
	Medical decision making	Doctors are experts and know what is best for my treatment