Defense Date

3-27-2020

Graduation Date

Spring 5-8-2020

Availability

One-year Embargo

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Nursing

School

School of Nursing

Committee Chair

Joan Such Lockhart

Committee Member

Karen E. Jakub

Committee Member

Geoffrey C. Nguyen

Committee Member

Eva M. Szigethy

Committee Member

Rick Zoucha

Keywords

inflammatory bowel disease, coping, African Americans

Abstract

Background: Increasing numbers of African Americans are being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the United States (Dahlhamer, Zammitti, Ward, Wheaton, & Croft, 2016). Little is known about the influence of culture on coping with the disease. Method: Twelve African American adults with IBD were interviewed and observed using a focused ethnography. Results: Data analysis resulted in four major themes: (1) spending time living in the bathroom; (2) time and food restricted eating practices and cultural food avoidance; (3) dealing with a life full of stress; and (4) the practice of seclusion to promote health. Discussion: Participants described coping and culture. Their experiences were similar to other IBD populations except in the area of perceived stress. Opportunities exist for nursing and the community to assist this population with stressors related to bathroom access, their eating practices, and participating in activities outside of their homes.

Language

English

Additional Citations

Scott, P.D., Lockhart, J.S., Jakub, K.E., Zoucha, R., & Nguyen, G.C. (2019). Coping in African Americans with inflammatory bowel disease: An integrative review of the literature. Gastroenterology Nursing, 42(4), 360-369.

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