Lived experience of young Haitian-American women with sickle cell disease
by Labrousse, Wisvline, Ph.D., WALDEN UNIVERSITY, 2007, 216 pages; 3268368

Abstract:

Sickle cell disease is a genetic abnormality characterized by a defect in red blood cells causing profound medical and psychosocial problems. Research in sickle cell disease is more focused on children than adults and on males than females, and research on Haitian American women is almost nonexistent. Therefore, a phenomenological study was conducted to gather a gender-specific voice and descriptions from eight young Haitian American women about their lived experience with sickle cell disease, the stressors associated with it, and their coping strategies for dealing with stressors. Heidegger's hermeneutic methodology of experiential interpretation of the human experience was used to examine the data. This method shed light on the cultural domains of perceived etiology and treatments of sickle cell disease, associated stigmas, clients' support networks, ethnic remedies, and coping mechanisms. Qualitative data collected from the participants about their lived experience with sickle cell disease were analyzed using content analysis. Pain, anxiety, fear, poor self-concept, and unpredictability of symptoms were issues revealed that demonstrated a shared collective consensus among participants. They practiced a range of strategies to implement healthy coping, such as spirituality, empowerment, compassion, and enrichment. Unhealthy strategies reported included mistrust of the biomedical system, helplessness, powerlessness, and suicide ideation. The findings from this study should generate knowledge about sickle cell disease and provide suggestions for improving the medical, economic, and psychosocial management of this disease. Social change implications include provision of information for health care workers to help Haitian American women with sickle cell disease and other chronically ill patients to find effective treatments and strategies for a better life.

 
AdviserSreeroopa Sarkar
SchoolWALDEN UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/B 68-05, p. , Sep 2007
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsBlack studies; Behavioral sciences; Women's studies; Health sciences
Publication Number3268368
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