Psychological Resilience and Coping Among Women Living With Chronic Hypertension in Rural Uganda

Abstract

This study explores the psychological and social dimensions of chronic hypertension among women in rural Eastern and Northern Uganda. It examines how they experience, interpret, and cope with the condition within their socio-cultural environments and local health system contexts. A qualitative research design was employed using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 30 women aged 35 to 65 who had lived with hypertension for more than 2 years. Participants were purposively selected to obtain rich, context-specific insights. Data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Findings show that chronic hypertension significantly disrupts women's daily routines, caregiving roles, and personal identities. Despite these challenges, many draw on spirituality, communal solidarity, and traditional narratives to foster psychological resilience. However, barriers such as poor health communication, difficulties with medication adherence, and limited psychosocial support complicate disease management in rural settings. The study highlights the need for culturally grounded and community-based interventions that integrate psychosocial support with routine hypertension care. Empowerment-focused health education and narrative-based counseling models are recommended to enhance coping and adherence. By amplifying the voices of rural Ugandan women, this research contributes to health psychology and global health scholarship by underscoring the emotional labor, indigenous resilience systems, and socio-cultural meanings associated with chronic illness.