The role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older African and Whites.

This study used data from in-depth interviews collected from 88 African American and White men and women aged 65 years and older who reside in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The purpose of this study was to understand the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among this population. Thematic content analysis addressed two specific questions: (1) how do older adults use spirituality to help manage their chronic illness, and (2) are there any racial differences in the use of spirituality. Several core themes emerged from the linkage of spirituality and self-management: God: the healer, God: the enabler through doctors, faith in God, prayer as a mediator, spirituality as a coping mechanism, combining conventional medicine and spiritual practices, and empowering respondents to practice healthy eating habits. These results display racial differences in the use of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness. African American elders were more likely than White elders to endorse a belief in divine intervention. White elders were more likely than African America elders to merge their spirituality in various self-management practices. Despite these differences, spirituality can play an integral part in a person's health and well-being of chronically ill elders.