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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Idethia Shevon Harvey, DrPH, Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, 109 S Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, 734-936-1189, shevon@uiuc.edu, Myrna Silverman, PhD, Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, 130 Desoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, and Donald Musa, DrPH, University Center for Social and Urban Research, University of Pittsburgh, 121 University Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15260.

The prevalence of chronic illness continues to increase as our population ages. Many older adults, particularly older women, have more than one chronic condition. Spirituality is perceived as an important and crucial resource in the health and well-being among older women. Unfortunately, knowledge is limited on the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among this older population. This study was designed to understand the role of spirituality in self-management of cardiovascular disease and arthritis among older women. A complementary research design was used that combined quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative design involved analysis of survey data gathered through a structured questionnaire from 495 older female participants enrolled in a longitudinal study. Quantitative analyses were used to examine the effects of this older female population's sociocultural characteristics and the perceived level of spirituality on selected self-management behaviors. Significant differences were found in the level of spirituality in self-management behaviors based on race/ethnicity. Thematic analyses were used to identify and understand the patterns, process, and meanings in the role of spirituality in the self-management behavior among 24 older arthritic and ischemic heart disease female participants. The analyses reaffirmed the importance of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness. Using multiple methodologies, this study gains a deeper understanding in the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older women.

Learning Objectives:

• Document ethnic differences in spiritual practices in the self-management of chronic illness
• Articulate mixed-methods results of self-management among ischematic heart disease and osteoarthritis participants

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered