Assessing self-management and spirituality practices among older women.
OBJECTIVE
To understand the role of spirituality in the self-management of cardiovascular disease and arthritis.


METHODS
Self-management practices were selected from older women enrolled in a longitudinal study (N=492) whereas 24 of the enrolled participants were selected for an in-depth interview regarding the role of spirituality in their self-management practices.


RESULTS
Significant differences were found in the level of spirituality in self-management behaviors based on ethnicity. The qualitative analyses reaffirmed the importance of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Using multiple methodologies, this study elucidated the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older women.
Univeristy of Illinois, College of Applied Health Sciences, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. shevon@uiuc.edu
Idethia Shevon
IS
Harvey
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000523:psychology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000523:psychology*; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000523:psychology*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D029181:Spirituality