Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2010
Source Publication
The Journal of the National Black Nurses Association
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, Volume 21, No. 1 (July 2010).
The website of The Journal of the National Black Nurses Association is available at: http://www.nbna.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=45&Itemid=74.