Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Diane Cortner

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a serious disease which often brings pain, disability, hospitalization, and even death. An increasing number of studies have been conducted on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in White women, yet a paucity of research exists to explain disparities in screening and treatment of osteoporosis in Black women. This narrative study describes the perspectives of Black women regarding individual barriers to osteoporosis screening. The purpose of this study was to better understand the perspectives of Black women regarding prevention of and screening for osteoporosis. Selections included purposive, criterion sampling of 10 Black women who were 50 years and older, could speak and write English, and lived in Southeastern Virginia. Recruitment flyers were distributed to Black women who were members of 3 local churches. The conceptual framework for this study was the behavioral model of health services, which holds that individual's acceptance to use health service is partly controlled by that individual's predisposing, enablement, and need. Data were collected by in-depth face-to-face interviews and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. Four major themes emerged in this study including awareness of osteoporosis, knowledge of the screening, health beliefs, and sharing of information. While the narratives indicated positive effects from engaging in osteoporosis screening, there was a discrepancy in understanding the disease and explanations of screening results. This study addresses social change by identifying how awareness and knowledge may help Black women become more effective when they engage in osteoporosis screening, which can help to ensure health and a better quality of life.

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