The attitudes of black Americans toward advance directives.
OBJECTIVE
To describe how some Black Americans view advance directives. Current literature revealed that most prior studies used quantitative methods with force-choice questions and had few Black subjects.


METHODS
Interviews were conducted with 17 Black Americans. Transcripts of the interviews were subjected to content analysis.


RESULTS
Three major categories of themes were identified: Threats to dignity, family relationships, and spirituality. Black Americans in this study did not desire unconditional end-of-life treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
This sample had a positive attitude toward the utility of advance directives. Legally generated directives were not seen as necessary.


CONCLUSIONS
The alternative ways that Black Americans may conduct advance directing should be recognized.
Dupree
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Department of Foundations of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.
D000328:Adult; D016223:Advance Directives / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology*; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged