Cultural Comparison of Chronic Conditions, Functional Status, and Acceptance in Older African-American and White Adults

Authors

Patricia McDonald, Case Western Reserve University
Jaclene Zauszniewski, Case Western Reserve University
Abir K. Bekhet, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Language

eng

Publication Date

7-2010

Publisher

National Black Nurses Association Inc.

Source Publication

Journal of the National Black Nurses Association

Source ISSN

0885-6028

Abstract

Acceptance of functional decline accompanying chronic illness is challenging for all elders, and even more so for African-American elders. This study examined functional status and the number, types, and acceptance of chronic conditions in 16 African-American and 46 White elders. African-American elders reported better functioning but resembled Whites in number of chronic conditions and acceptance. All African-Americans reported hypertension; 76% of Whites reported arthritis. Greater acceptance was correlated with fewer chronic conditions (r = -.23, p < .05) and better functioning (r = -.59, p < .01). Poorer functioning (i.e., functional disability) was correlated with more chronic conditions (r = .27, p < .05). Culturally sensitive interventions are needed to enhance elders' acceptance of chronic conditions and to improve their functioning.

Comments

Published version. The Journal of the National Black Nurses Association, Vol. 21, No. 1 (July 2010) © 2010 National Black Nurses Association, Inc. Used with permission. Publisher link.

The website of The Journal of the National Black Nurses Association is available at: https://www.nbna.org/nbna%20journal

Recommended Citation

McDonald, Patricia; Zauszniewski, Jaclene; and Bekhet, Abir K., "Cultural Comparison of Chronic Conditions, Functional Status, and Acceptance in Older African-American and White Adults" (2010). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 82.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/82