The provision of appropriate health care to African American population remains a challenge to nurses. Statistics reveal that African Americans are more likely to be in poorer health, experience higher numbers of serious disabilities, and have higher death rates from chronic illness than Caucasians. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical foundation, Champion's (1993) instrument for measuring health beliefs was adapted for study of health beliefs associated with heart attack and stroke. For this descriptive study, investigators surveyed participants from five urban African American churches in central Illinois. Participants indicated a general agreement as to their susceptibility to heart attack and stroke (M=3.75) but were neutral regarding the seriousness of heart attack and stroke (M=3.0). Respondents indicated an overall confidence in their self-efficacy (M=4.16), were motivated (M=3.67) and acknowledged the benefits (M=3.96). In assessing barriers, those participants aged 60 years and older were significantly more likely to perceive barriers to heart attack and stroke prevention than those aged 18-59 years (F=4.79, df=1, p<.05). The significance of this study is seen in the assessment challenges of establishing a sound client database for care planning.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss the health belief model and related components of the health belief instrument. 2. Examine health beliefs of African American participants. 3. Discuss implications of assessing health beliefs as a database component for care planning
Keywords: Assessments, Ethnic Minorities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.