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The attitudes of black Americans toward advance directives
1Department of Foundations of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA.
Purpose:
To describe how some Black Americans view advance directives. Current literature revealed that most prior studies used quantitative methods with force-choice questions and had few Black subjects.
Design:
Interviews were conducted with 17 Black Americans. Transcripts of the interviews were subjected to content analysis.
Findings:
Three major categories of themes were identified: Threats to dignity, family relationships, and spirituality. Black Americans in this study did not desire unconditional end-of-life treatment.
Conclusions:
This sample had a positive attitude toward the utility of advance directives. Legally generated directives were not seen as necessary.
Implications For Practice:
The alternative ways that Black Americans may conduct advance directing should be recognized.