Idethia Shevon Harvey1. 1. Univeristy of Illinois, College of Applied Health Sciences, Champaign, IL 61820, USA. shevon@uiuc.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of spirituality in the self-management of cardiovascular disease and arthritis. METHOD: Self-management practices were selected from older women enrolled in a longitudinal study (N=492) whereas 24 of the enrolled participants were selected for an in-depth interview regarding the role of spirituality in their self-management practices. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the level of spirituality in self-management behaviors based on ethnicity. The qualitative analyses reaffirmed the importance of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness. CONCLUSION: Using multiple methodologies, this study elucidated the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older women.
OBJECTIVE: To understand the role of spirituality in the self-management of cardiovascular disease and arthritis. METHOD: Self-management practices were selected from older women enrolled in a longitudinal study (N=492) whereas 24 of the enrolled participants were selected for an in-depth interview regarding the role of spirituality in their self-management practices. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the level of spirituality in self-management behaviors based on ethnicity. The qualitative analyses reaffirmed the importance of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness. CONCLUSION: Using multiple methodologies, this study elucidated the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older women.