A pilot study of self-management in African Americans with common chronic conditions.
OBJECTIVE
Self-management as a tool to manage chronic conditions has been well-described for majority populations. Limited studies exist on the potential benefit of self-management programs for African Americans with chronic conditions. The purpose was to demonstrate the feasibility, effectiveness and acceptability of a structured self-management program in African Americans with one or more chronic conditions.


METHODS
This pilot study involved an intervention-only arm of a six-week peer-led program aimed at improving important self-management skills, including self-efficacy and physical activity. Participants were recruited from local churches and independent living senior centers, and trained lay leaders served as facilitators of the self-management program.


RESULTS
A total of 46 people participated in this program. Participants were mostly African American (96%), female (91%), with a mean age of 65 (11), and 2.7 (1.5) chronic conditions. We found significant increases in pre- to postintervention self-efficacy (P<.01) and self-reported walking for exercise (P<0.05). Self-rated health also had significant improvement (P<.01). Qualitative feedback revealed a desire for more support with transforming traditional foods and creative exercise strategies.


CONCLUSIONS
A standardized peer-led self-management course was effective at improving self-efficacy, walking for exercise and self-rated health in African Americans with a variety of common chronic conditions. Future self-management interventions should focus more on cultural interests and strengths such as spirituality, existing support networks for behavioral change, and retention strategies to achieve long-term lifestyle changes.
Rucker-Whitaker
Cheryl
C
Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Cheryl_rucker-whitaker@rush.edu
Basu
Sanjib
S
Kravitz
Glenda
G
Bushnell
Marlease K
MK
de Leon
Carlos F Mendes
CF
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009043:Motor Activity; D010379:Peer Group; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016387:Women's Health / Q000208:ethnology