This session will present findings from a pilot study that explored cultural and social determinants in the lives and daily experiences of African-American women that may predispose them to higher rates of disease and disability. These collective determinants have been termed the "Pillar Syndrome" or "Strong Black Woman Motif." Such studies are needed to better understand health disparities among African-Americans and to develop more effective health promotion programs for them. A preliminary instrument was developed to measure 13 constructs of the "Pillar Syndrome" and was peer-reviewed by 21 African-American health professionals. Focus groups were conducted with 43 African-American women aged 18-83 to clarify the concept and provide information for instrument revisions. The revised instrument was pilot tested among 62 African-American women using personal, group, and telephone interviews. Preliminary findings from the pilot study showed the following: 1) the "strong Black woman" is a clearly recognizable concept among African-American women; 2) middle-aged and older women identified more closely with the concept than younger women; 3) the more "pillar" or "strong" a woman reported herself to be, the greater the number of health problems she also reported; and 4) being a "strong Black woman" may have both positive and negative consequences. General implications for using this data to develop culturally relevant health promotion initiatives will be explored. Specific implications will be discussed for enhancing health interventions that use African-American women as lay health advisors, community outreach workers, and in other lay leadership roles. Global implications for women’s roles will also be examined.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to: 1. Identify characteristics of the "strong black woman" concept and its relationship to African-American female health and well-being. 2. Describe four implications for use of the concept in developing and implementing health promotion and disease prevention programs for African-American women.
Keywords: Women's Health, Minority Research
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.