Thesis (Ph. D. in Community Research and Action)--Vanderbilt University, Aug. 2008. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

The purpose of this descriptive correlational study was threefold: (a) to assess the relationships between boundary ambiguity, spirituality, marital relationship quality, and caregiver strain and depression among older African American spousal caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD); (b) to identify which variables are the best predictors of caregiver strain; and (c) to identify which variables are the best predictors of depression. The sample consisted of 25 female and 15 male spouses, who were ages 60 to 87. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Marital relationship quality was correlated with the two dependent variables, caregiver strain and depression. In hierarchical multiple regression, a model containing gender, years since spouse’s diagnosis with AD and marital relationship quality predicted 40% of the variance in caregiver strain. Marital relationship quality was the only significant predictor for depression. The model containing marital relationship quality predicted 22% of the variance in depression. Additional findings were that participants scored high on the spirituality measure, that years since diagnosis of AD was negatively correlated with boundary ambiguity, spirituality, and caregiver strain, that there was a significant decrease in the quality of the marital relationship since the spouse became a caregiver, and that almost half had no help with caregiving. There was limited support for the proposed conceptual model, therefore, a revised model was proposed. Based on the study results, in dealing with spouses who are providing caregiving to AD patients, nurses need to assess the quality of the marital relationship, and to recognize that the longer the spouse is a caregiver the greater the strain and depression, and that community resources need to be mobilized to assist the spouse with caregiving. A depression screen and marital assessment may provide cues regarding psychosocial needs of spousal caregivers.

The purpose of this study was to assess African American parents’ and caregivers’ perceptions about ADHD, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes to determine if and/or how those views may affect diagnosis and treatment rates among African American youth. ADHD prevalence is increasing overall in the US across all races/ethnicities, but ADHD diagnosis and treatment rates are still low among African American youth compared to White youth. While African American youth may be more greatly affected by the disorder than White youth, there is a gap in understanding why some parents seek help for their child’s ADHD related behaviors, while others do not. African American parents and primary caregivers of boys ages 5-14 who attended an afterschool program in Harlem, New York City, participated in a cross-sectional design interview study with 43 participants. Transcripts were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed using an inductive approach. Highlights of findings included parents’ and caregivers’ discomfort using medication to treat ADHD, concerns about labeling/stigma and misconceptions about ADHD, diagnosis, and treatment. Implications for practice included the need for: disseminating accurate and relevant information, improving understanding about proven and promising non-pharmacological treatment methods and addressing discriminatory practices in ADHD treatment. Recommendations for research include creating and evaluating culturally sensitive treatment approaches, exploring why certain families are misinformed about ADHD, finding effective ways to correct misconceptions, and testing alternative ways to educate healthcare and education professionals on how best to work with African American and other underserved communities.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2005. / Advisor: Dr. R. William English, Florida State University, College of Education, Dept. of Childhood Education, Reading, & Disability Services. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 29, 2005). Document formatted into pages; contains xv, 151 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

Examines whether religious beliefs or practices have a positive or negative influence on the perceived level of stress and coping ability of African American family care providers. Through interviews with three African American females who are caregivers for spouses diagnosed with adult onset brain disorder it was revealed that all caregivers felt their spirituality and/or religious practices shaped how they approached providing care. Religious practices and spirituality affected how they felt about providing care for their spouses and how they dealt with difficult challenges.