For My Family, I Take It’: A Phenomenological Study of Antihypertensive Medication Use Among Filipino Adults

Table 2. Theme 1:Diagnosis as Disruption

Subtheme	Illustrative Quotations
Shock and Disbelief	“I was surprised because I felt healthy.” (P10) “I did not immediately accept that I had hypertension.” (P8) “I felt shocked when they told me I needed lifelong medication.” (P1)
Fear of Complications	“I was scared that the same thing might happen.” (P8) “I was afraid of stroke.” (P4)“I was anxious about possible complications.” (P2)
Realization through Symptoms	“I was frightened after severe headache and dizziness.” (P5) “After chest tightness, I became serious.” (P10) “When my blood pressure became very high, I realized it was serious.” (P8)