Author ORCID Identifier
Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
PhD
College
School of Nursing
Department
Not Listed
Committee Chair
Roger Dean Carpenter
Committee Member
Mary Jane Smith
Committee Member
Crystal Gail Sheaves
Committee Member
Ivreen Robinson
Abstract
Background: A plethora of inquiries has irrefutably revealed a decline in the death rates of breast cancer in some ethnic populations due to timely diagnoses, and enhancement in treatment measures. However, not all women have gained equal access to these innovations in healthcare. Certainly, as a repercussion of the noted disparity, the overall breast cancer prevalence among African American and Hispanic women has steadily escalated. Although no single test can detect all breast cancers early, practicing breast self-care consisting of breast self-awareness (BSA) in combination with other screening methods such as clinical breast exam (CBE), mammogram screening, and a suitable follow up after a screening mammogram can upsurge the likelihood of early detection of the disease.
Purpose: The purpose of this inquiry was (1) to use Orem’s theory of self-care to explore how breast self-care is described by inner New York City African American and Hispanic women seeking care in a comprehensive breast care center. (2) To use the findings as a guide for needs assessment in terms of breast self-care agency, breast self-care deficit, and nursing system based on the principle that disease prevention is fundamental to good health practices.
Method: A directed content analysis approach guided by Orem’s self-care theory concepts of self-care agency, self-care deficit, and nursing system was used to direct the participant descriptions of their breast self-care, and to lead the analysis of those descriptions. Twelve African American and Hispanic women were recruited during a breast cancer awareness event. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather their stories. The stories were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim, reconstructed, and confirmed via member check. Data analysis included various stages using specific descriptors, condensed meaning units, subthemes, and themes.
Results: Three themes emerged from predetermined categories within the concepts. Self-care agency: is the power to manage breast self-care through the mutual influence of knowing and doing, in the context of one’s culture. Self-care deficits were not identified: When asked about challenges and any discouragements to breast self-care, participants describe being capable of doing what they needed to do. The nursing system: supported breast self-care through healthcare providers, resources, and mammography follow-up.
Conclusions: Findings from the study were consistent with the suggestions of Orem’s Self-care nursing theory. When care is delivered in a comprehensive breast center, self-care agency is enhanced, self-care deficits are lessened, and nursing system is an interdisciplinary team. The results revealed and confirmed the usefulness of the framework. The study findings provide theoretical, practical, and policy implications for all healthcare providers who are caring for women. collaborative efforts should be made to assist healthcare centers with a functional nursing system which can provide women with the necessary support and care for breast self-care practices.
Recommended Citation
Yoda, Salamata, "Descriptions of Breast Self-Care from Inner-City African American and Hispanic Women Seeking Care in a Comprehensive Breast Care center" (2023). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 11972.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/11972
Included in
Family Practice Nursing Commons, Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Nursing Midwifery Commons, Other Nursing Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons