Medication Self-Management: Perspectives of Older African American Women

Medication self-management is critical in reducing morbidity and mortality among older adults. Limited research has explored how cultural beliefs and experiences shape medication self-management in older African American women. This study aimed to explore the experiences of medication self-management in this population.

This study used a qualitative design. Fifteen older African American women were recruited from a senior center in a large Midwestern city in the United States. In-person interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis.

Three themes emerged: Understanding and Living with Chronic Conditions, Medication-Taking Practices, and Responses to Medications. Six subthemes described how cultural beliefs, trust, and communication shaped their medication behaviors.

Findings highlight the need for culturally appropriate nursing interventions that support medication self-management among older African American women. Nurses should consider cultural context and lived experience to promote equitable care.