Low-Sodium Dietary Perceptions and Experiences of African-American Women with Hypertension.

African-Americans are disproportionately affected by hypertension with lower rates of blood pressure control in comparison to the general population (Brennan et al., 2010). Low-sodium dietary intake is one of the most important lifestyle changes that can help control hypertension (Zhang et al., 2013). This qualitative study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions and experiences of low-sodium dietary practices among African-American women with hypertension. The study used a single-category focus group design. The findings suggest that African-American women are attempting to follow a low-sodium diet; however, they are influenced by personal and environmental factors and lack a clear understanding of what a low-sodium diet entails. Therefore, nurses must understand the factors that influence African-American women's ability to follow a low-sodium diet so that effective interventions can be implemented to improve adherence in this population.

Intra-family stressors among adult siblings sharing caregiving for parents.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe a Neuman Systems Model-guided study of perceptions of family stressors experienced by adult siblings who share caregiving for their parents and the influence of these stressors on adult siblings' relationships. BACKGROUND: The task of providing informal care for disabled parents is often shared by adult siblings. Family stressors experienced as part of caregiving may affect the sibling relationship. DESIGN: A mixed-method study design was used. METHODS: Data were collected during 2013-2014 from 84 adult sibling caregivers. Seventy-two caregivers provided quantitative data for the Lifespan Sibling Relationship Scale and the Zarit Burden Scale and 79 provided qualitative data for the open-ended question. RESULTS: Adult siblings experienced mild-to-moderate levels of burden from family stressors when they share parental caregiving. The amount of burden from intra-family stressors was negatively related to the adult sibling relationship. Beneficial and noxious stressors were evident in the participants' responses to an open-ended question. CONCLUSION: The health of the parents affected the lives of adult siblings in both negative and positive ways. Although the majority of the adult siblings expressed a willingness to care for their parent(s) in an attempt to reciprocate the care, they had received from them, challenges emerged from dealing with family stressors.

African American Wives and Perceived Stressful Experiences: Providing Care for Stroke Survivor Spouses.

This research used a quantitative design to explore perceived stress experiences of African American wives in the care of spouses who are stroke survivors. The wives as caregivers (44.7%) were participants from rural communities in the southeastern region of North Carolina. These wives, although many had employment outside of the home, provided duties including activities of daily living (ADL) and all other domestic tasks. They were forced into the caregiving role, although many were often not prepared, and experienced much stress related to a lack of knowledge, training and minimum assistance from other family members. A nursing implication must include extensive discharge planning with an emphasis on education and training prior to discharge. More research in reference to African American wives as caregivers is needed to provide an adequate knowledge base in not only caring for their spouses, but also themselves.

Coping strategies of family members of hospitalized psychiatric patients.

This exploratory research paper investigated the coping strategies of families of hospitalized psychiatric patients and identified their positive and negative coping strategies. In this paper, the coping strategies of 45 family members were examined using a descriptive, correlational, mixed method research approach. Guided by the Neuman Systems Model and using the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales and semistructured interviews, this paper found that these family members used more emotion-focused coping strategies than problem-focused coping strategies. The common coping strategies used by family members were communicating with immediate family, acceptance of their situation, passive appraisal, avoidance, and spirituality. The family members also utilized resources and support systems, such as their immediate families, mental health care professionals, and their churches.