Assessing self-management and spirituality practices among older women

Abstract

Objective: To understand the role of spirituality in the self-management of cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

Method: Self-management practices were selected from older women enrolled in a longitudinal study (N=492) whereas 24 of the enrolled participants were selected for an in-depth interview regarding the role of spirituality in their self-management practices.

Results: Significant differences were found in the level of spirituality in self-management behaviors based on ethnicity. The qualitative analyses reaffirmed the importance of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness.

Conclusion: Using multiple methodologies, this study elucidated the role of spirituality in the self-management of chronic illness among older women.