A qualitative study of strong, happy, enduring African-American marriages

Background : Medication adherence (ADH) is key to decreasing hypertension (HTN)-related morbidity and mortality in older African-American (AA) adults. However, older AA adults have poorer ADH to prescribed antihypertensive medications when compared to their younger and Caucasian-American counterparts. Patient beliefs and cultural concepts about their medications influence their medication ADH. An important cultural concept in this regards is spirituality, which is a significant resource in the AA community. Thus, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the role of spirituality in ADH to antihypertensive medications for older AA adults. Methods: Older AA adults who were members of a Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and who were (a) diagnosed with HTN; (b) prescribed at least one antihypertensive medication; (c) self-identified as African-American or Black; and (d) self-identified as spiritual completed one in-depth individual face-to-face in this qualitative descriptive study informed by grounded theory. Demographic data were also collected. Results : Twenty-one PACE members completed the study. All of the participants were female. The mean age of participants was 73 years with most completing high school (67%). The mean HTN diagnosis was16.7 years and mean number of prescriptions for antihypertensives was 3.3. Participants indicated that their spirituality was used in a collaborative process with formal health care to manage their ADH to antihypertensive medications. This process was identified as Partnering with God to Manage My Medications. Partnering with God to Manage My Medications indicated that the PACE members acknowledged personal responsibility for adhering to their antihypertensive medication regimen but used their spirituality as a resource for making decisions to remain adherent; coping with medication side effects; and increasing their self-efficacy to deal with barriers to ADH . Conclusions : Spirituality played a positive role in medication adherence for the PACE members. Incorporating individual beliefs, such as spirituality, into patient treatment for HTN may capitalize on their inner resources for medication ADH and demonstrates culturally appropriate care.

Download Full-text

Understanding African American Males’ Schooling Experiences: A Qualitative Inquiry

The Qualitative Report ◽

10.46743/2160-3715/2015.2250 ◽

2015 ◽

Author(s):

Edward Bell

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

African American ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

African American Males ◽

Early Learning ◽

Qualitative Inquiry ◽

Educational Setting ◽

Schooling Experiences ◽

Schooling Experience ◽

Eastern North Carolina

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand how African American males feel about their schooling experiences. Eighteen participants were selected for this inquiry. This study took place in eastern North Carolina. Many African American males lack early learning experiences to adequately prepare for a positive schooling experience. The findings from this study might prove helpful for working with African American males in an educational setting.

Download Full-text

Where Should My Baby Sleep: A Qualitative Study of African American Infant Sleep Location Decisions

Journal of the National Medical Association ◽

10.1016/s0027-9684(15)30706-9 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 102 (10) ◽

pp. 881-889 ◽

Cited By ~ 45

Author(s):

Brandi L. Joyner ◽

Rosalind P. Oden ◽

Taiwo I. Ajao ◽

Rachel Y. Moon

Keyword(s):

African American ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Location Decisions ◽

Infant Sleep ◽

Sleep Location

Download Full-text

Anastasia C. Curwood, Stormy Weather: Middle-Class African American Marriages between the Two World Wars. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 2010. Pp. 196. Cloth $35.00.

The Journal of African American History ◽

10.5323/jafriamerhist.99.1-2.0140 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 99 (1-2) ◽

pp. 140-142

Author(s):

Frances Smith Foster

Keyword(s):

North Carolina ◽

African American ◽

Middle Class ◽

University Of North Carolina ◽

Chapel Hill ◽

African American Marriages ◽

Stormy Weather

Download Full-text