Date of Conferral

2-28-2024

Date of Award

February 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Dr. Michael Schwab

Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) stands out as the predominant cardiovascular condition, exerting a significant toll on both mortality and morbidity. Notably, African Americans (AA) grapple with an alarmingly elevated incidence, prevalence, and mortality rate compared to other demographics within the United States. Extensive research underscores the potential for effective CHD management through self-management practices, though this is notably deficient. This qualitative, phenomenological study delves into the intricate lived experiences surrounding the self-management of CHD among low-income individuals in the middle-aged and older AA demographic. My theoretical framework was the Health Belief Model. Impressively, the study participants exhibited a profound understanding of their condition and an adept comprehension of the requisite healthy lifestyle recommendations essential for the effective self-management of CHD and its potential repercussions and benefits. However, many impediments were identified, such as career obligations, a paucity of robust support systems, and the pervasive influence of emotional stress: all these were identified as key contributors to an inconsistent adherence to healthy lifestyle practices. These findings hold promise to catalyze positive societal transformation to mitigate the burden of CHD and comorbidity via public health policies and initiatives that cultivate healthy lifestyle practices through targeted educational campaigns and support groups that function as motivational support groups, proactively connecting with and persuading patients to participate, especially within low-income AA communities.

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