title: The influence of spirituality on health care-seeking behaviors among African Americans.
abstract: This study examined spirituality in the cultural context of African Americans and how it relates to their health care-seeking behaviors. Focus group methodology was utilized for data collection. Three focus (3) groups were conducted in the Hampton Roads area. The sample consisted of African American men (n=12, 35%) and women (n=22, 65%). Between 11 and 12 participants were in each group for a total of 34 participants, ranging in age between 10 and 80 years. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated the focus groups. This guide was designed to facilitate the subjects' overall perceptions of spirituality, health and health care-seeking behaviors. Focus group data were transcribed and analyzed by selecting phrases exemplifying common themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings indicated that spirituality had an influence on health and health-care seeking behaviors in African Americans. It was concluded that spirituality should be a focus for health care professionals in providing holistic care for African Americans.
authors.affiliation: Hampton University, School of Nursing, Hampton, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Lydia R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Figueroa
authors.forename: Bertha
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Spencer
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: Johnnie B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Bunch
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000193:education / Q000208:ethnology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014768:Virginia