Date of Conferral
3-6-2024
Date of Award
March 2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Thela Thatch
Abstract
The transition of care from childhood to adulthood can impact young adults with chronic conditions. U.S. public health policy and legislation can mitigate the challenges with the transition of care through education and policy guidelines. There was a lack of information on the public policies that evaluate continuing care practices, education, and the competence of young African American (AA) adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) living in Pennsylvania. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of 10 AA adults ages 18–25 with SCD to understand what education was necessary for policymakers to reform legislation and public policies to enhance quality of life. The theoretical framework for this study was the policy feedback theory and the narrative policy framework. Data were collected via semistructured interviews with a researcher-developed interview guide. The data were analyzed using descriptive coding and thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: responsibility for health and wellness, SCD education, challenges associated with SCD, the impact of SCD on mental health, and the benefits of support systems. Findings may be used for positive social change by policymakers to evaluate the personal factors that impact the transition of care to promote public policy reformation for individuals living with SCD.
Recommended Citation
Beaubrun, Elvelyna B., "Revitalizing Public Health Policy and Legislation for Effective Management of Sickle Cell Disease" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 15491.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/15491
