title: Self-management of a chronic illness: An exploratory study on the role of spirituality among older African American women.
abstract: Living with a chronic illness is an experience characterized by changes in self-management behavior. Few studies have addressed the role of spirituality in the self-management of a chronic illness among older African American women. The purpose of this exploratory study was to understand the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness. Data from a sample of 10 African American women were collected from semi-structured interviews and analyzed for common themes through narrative analysis. Four themes emerge from the linkage of spirituality and self-management. Understanding this experience will assist public health providers in creating culturally appropriate health education interventions.
authors.affiliation: The University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. shevon@umcih.edu
authors.forename: Idethia Shevon
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Harvey
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D012648:Self Care / Q000941:ethics*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States