Perceptions of health and illness among older Hispanic adults

Understanding perceptions of health and illness among older Hispanic adults is vital for nurses when designing effective health promotion programs.

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of health and illness and how health was maintained during times of illness.

This inductive qualitative descriptive study used a single focus group with interviews over three sessions. All eight members of the focus group were Spanish-speaking, older adults living in the community. Immersion/crystallization and editing analytic styles were used to analyze the data.

Participants were parishioners at a local church and knew each other from participating in community events. Perceptions of health mainly focused on both the absence of illness and physical limitations. Maintaining health included a healthy lifestyle and being physically active; however, food was central to maintaining health. Perceptions of illness were described as "feelings of sickness" such as sadness and worry. Dealing with illness was equated with physical limitations, with strategies suggested, including going to the doctor, preparing natural and folk remedies, spirituality, and support from family and friends.

Nurses have an important role in assessing the health management strategies of older Hispanic adults and need to incorporate the older adults' understanding of health and illness into their plan of care.