Self-advocacy in health care decision-making among elderly African Americans

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence the self-advocacy expressions of elderly African Americans. The sample consisted of 100 elderly African Americans who responded to a series of questions about the characters in seven vignettes. Each vignette told a story about an elderly African American in a health care dilemma. The health care dilemma became more complex as the age of the main character increased. In addition, each participant completed the Multi-dimensional Health Locus of Control Scale and the Philadelphia Geriatric Morale Scale. Statistically significant differences were found between males and females and educational levels on the Powerful Others Subscale. A statistically significant relationship was found between high self advocacy expressions and marital status. Twenty-four percent (24.1%) of the participants rated as having high self-advocacy expressed dissatisfaction with their health status. The findings demonstrate some of the complexities involved in the study of elderly African Americans particularly related to the major impact of life experiences on their lives today.