In our grandmother's footsteps: perceptions of being strong in African American women with HIV/AIDS.
One of the most significant challenges facing the health of black women in the 21st century is the growing numbers of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency disease (HIV/AIDS) infections. An ethnographic study of African American mothers living with HIV/AIDS revealed that they believed in a tradition and heritage of strength that fostered their survival during difficult life experiences such as living and mothering with HIV/AIDS. They enacted this strength in culturally significant ways. This article discusses the importance of recognizing and supporting cultural strengths of African American women to help manage illness, while remaining cognizant of the context of oppression, discrimination, and stigma that distort cultural traditions and instead penalize women when they are ill.
Shambley-Ebron
Donna Z
DZ
College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, USA. donna.shambley-ebron@uc.edu
Boyle
Joyceen S
JS
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000208:ethnology*; D001741:Black or African American; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010465:Perception; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept; D012924:Social Conditions; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health