Self-Reported Health-Promoting Behaviors of Black and White Caregivers

The purpose of this study was to describe the behaviors that caregivers report carrying out to maintain their own health, and to compare the health-promoting behaviors of Black and White caregivers. Although many studies have examined health-promoting behaviors, few have examined health promotion among caregivers. Reported studies of caregivers’ health-promoting behaviors have not compared cultural groups. The sample for this study was selected by random digit dialing, and included 136 Black and 257 White caregivers of frail elders. Content analysis of respondents’ answers to the open-ended question, “In general, what do you do to stay healthy?” was used to address the research questions. Most caregivers reported specific behaviors they engaged in for the purpose of staying healthy. Although most of their behaviors addressed physical health, caregivers also mentioned behaviors that contribute to mental and spiritual health. Both differences and similarities were found in Black and White caregivers’ self-reported health behaviors, which have important implications for nursing practice and research in the future.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/69087/2/10.1177_01939459922044027.pd

Self care: Japan and the U.S. compared

Experience of common symptoms and subsequent self care behaviors among older adults are compared between Japan and the United States, two industrial countries with different cultural backgrounds and health insurance systems. Based on a modification of the Health Belief Model, perceived susceptibility to illness and belief in the efficacy of physician care were selected as major explanatory concepts for the decision to use self care for a complaint. Among 900 respondents in Japan and 728 in the United States, in three communities of varying size, self evaluations of good health, an indicator of low susceptibility, were very similar. Although Japanese respondents claimed fewer experiences of physician error, they still expressed lower preference for physician care than did those in the U.S. In addition, the Japanese reported far fewer symptoms than their U.S. counterparts during a three month period, and were more likely to use self care, even for symptoms they considered more serious. Disparate effects of such variables as good health behaviors, presence of a chronic condition and desire for autonomy are discussed in terms of cultural differences in the two countries.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/29655/1/0000744.pd

Theoretical Approaches to the Use of Institutionalization by African Americans

Three major theoretical perspectives have been used to discuss racial disparities in the use of institutionalization, particularly nursing homes, by African-American & white elderly -- the double-jeopardy hypothesis, the age as leveler hypothesis, & the hypothesized African-American subculture. The first two hypotheses are frequently conceptualized as contradictory & tested against each other, yielding mixed & inconclusive results. The cultural hypothesis tends to be offered as an explanation for racial differences in research, rather than explicitly tested. It is concluded that current theory in aging is inadequate to explain the need for, & utilization of, institutional care of African-American elderly. Large-scale theories, eg, those dealing with political economy, are likely to be necessary for explaining some aspects of this issue, eg, need for & access to care. Likewise, cultural theories may help in understanding preferences for some forms of care over others, particularly where such theories are grounded in data

Medical Self-Care: Compliance with Recommended Treatment Regimens among Chronically Ill Middle-Aged and Elderly Persons

Examines compliance with medical treatment programs among middle-aged & elderly persons living with arthritis, diabetes, & hypertension using a conceptual model that combines elements of the health belief model, physician-patient relationship, & experience of illness. Face-to-face interview & medical record data from 612 chronically ill middle-aged & elderly health maintenance organization members indicates that, while the majority complied with medication regimens during the week prior to data collection, it varied between ailments. Respondents were considerably less likely to follow medical recommendations regarding diet, exercise, or other treatments. Physicians' interactional styles had more influence on compliance with medications than on other aspects of medical self-care. Among health beliefs examined, only perceived effectiveness of treatment had consistent effects on compliance. Effects of illness experience were mixed. 7 Tables, 1 Figure, 1 Appendix, 23 References. Adapted from the source document

Midwest Nursing Research Society Sage Best Paper Award: Milieu Change and Relocation Adjustment in Elders

Relocation is a major life event for elders and has been found to adversely affect their adjustment and ability to perform daily activities. Rosenbaum\u27s theory of learned resourcefulness suggests that such adverse effects can be minimized if elders have positive cognitions and are resourceful. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the hypothesized relationships among the study variables in a sample of 104 cognitively unimpaired elders (aged 65+ years) who have relocated to retirement communities in Northeast Ohio. Results indicate that positive cognitions had a direct positive effect on learned resourcefulness and on relocation adjustment. Furthermore, learned resourcefulness had a moderating effect on the relationship between relocation controllability and relocation adjustment when controlling for covariates. It is imperative to generate interventions to enhance positive thinking and learned resourcefulness for elders facing the need to relocate and to create the therapeutic milieu within the retirement communities