The Role of Religion in Relation to Blood Pressure Control Among a Southern California Thai Population with Hypertension

This qualitative research investigates the role religion plays in relation to blood pressure control among a Southern California Thai population with hypertension. A total of 15 Thai individuals between the ages of 45-95 were interviewed. All participants indicated that stress plays a significant role in determining their ability to manage hypertension. Of the 15 participants, 14 acknowledged that religion plays an important role by helping them manage their stress level and offering them beneficial instruction about health practices such as diet and exercise.