The role of spirituality and Africana womanism in the self-management of chronic conditions among older African Americans

Abstract

Background: Many older African Americans perceive “spirituality” as an important resource in helping with the self-management process of their chronic conditions. Research designs congruent with theoretical frameworks of African Americans are important. However, many researchers remain unfamiliar with Africana womanist thought or are unsure as to how this framework can be used to inform specific aspects of self-management practices.

Methods: The purpose of this exploratory study is to explain an Africana womanist epistemologic framework that can undergird the development of self-management intervention designs aimed at assisting older African Americans. Data from a sample of 46 African Americans were collected from semi-structured interviews and examined via thematic analysis.

Results: Concepts of Africana womanism epistemology, which can be interwoven throughout self-management strategies, include: 1) the importance of spirituality and 2) the ethic of personal responsibility.

Conclusions: Health care and public health professionals can assist in the co-creation of programs that focus on spirituality and the collective personal responsibility of health promotion practices.