Date of Completion
11-5-2014
Embargo Period
12-11-2014
Keywords
Heart Failure, African American, Caregivers and Phenomenology
Major Advisor
Cheryl Beck
Associate Advisor
Juiliette Shellman
Associate Advisor
Xiaomei Cong
Field of Study
Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
An estimated 5.7 million people in the United States are currently living with heart failure (HF); this population is expected to double in the next 25 years due to advances in modern medicine that have decreased the mortality rates for cardiovascular diseases. Because of the complex regimen required, the help of family members, friends or neighbors is crucial to adequately managing symptoms and preventing hospital readmissions. Descriptive phenomenology underpins this study. Formal interviews were used to explore African American caregivers’ lived experience in caring for African American heart failure patients. Snowball sampling and purposive sampling yielded a total of 10 interviewed participants, which achieved data saturation.
The interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s steps. Seven themes emerged:
(1) Juggling act, (2) Layers of support, (3) Realization of self-neglect, (4) Experiencing the “blues,” (5) Connecting with healthcare provider, (6) Unmet financial needs and (7) Perception of non-adherence. Thorough information regarding the experience of African American caregivers of heart failure patients obtained through this research will enhance the resources available to healthcare professionals for delivering culturally competent support to African American caregivers, thereby improving quality of life for heart failure patients and their caregivers.
Recommended Citation
Hamilton, Heather Marie, "The Lived Experience of African American Caregivers Caring for Adult African American Patients with Heart Failure: A Phenomenological Study" (2014). Doctoral Dissertations. 631.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/dissertations/631