With PQDT Open, you can read the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge.
About PQDT Open
Search
Sickle cell disease and the associated morbidity and mortality continue to increase in the United States African American population. Existing literature did not address the meaning that African American females with the sickle cell gene attach to making reproductive choices. This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) study, using the combined health belief model and theory of reasoned action as the theoretical framework, explored the meaning of the lived experiences of seven African American females with the sickle cell gene who made reproductive choices. The recruitment and selection of participants occurred in the United States’ Midwestern region using purposeful, convenience, and snowball sampling. Data collection involved one-on-one, semi-structured IPA interviews. Data analysis using the flexible six-step IPA data analysis identified four major themes: 1) participants indicated having conception, contraception, childbirth, and sickle cell gene challenges; 2) all participants talked about partner criteria and the importance; 3) participants spoke about support, advice, and information to help with reproductive decisions being inconsistent, confusing and from various sources; and 4) no matter what reproductive choice the participant made, each participant made meaning of their choice through their faith and trust in God. The themes addressed the literature gap by identifying participants’ beliefs and intentions to reach a truth that defined the meaning or essence of their experiences and accounted for participants’ actions and choices.
Advisor: | Stein, Irene F. |
Commitee: | Smith, Daniel, Underdahl, Louise |
School: | University of Phoenix |
Department: | School of Advanced Studies |
School Location: | United States -- Arizona |
Source: | DAI-A 82/2(E), Dissertation Abstracts International |
Source Type: | DISSERTATION |
Subjects: | Health care management, Genetics, Obstetrics, African American Studies |
Keywords: | African American females, Autosomal recessive genetic disorders, Hemoglobinopathies, Reproductive choices, Sickle cell disease, Sickle cell gene |
Publication Number: | 28089037 |
ISBN: | 9798662591349 |