DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/0TQD-6Q61
Defense Date
2011
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Health Related Sciences
First Advisor
E Ayn Welleford
Second Advisor
Constance Coogle
Abstract
This correlational study explored the knowledge, perceived seriousness, and willingness to seek medical help for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) among Ghanaian Immigrants currently residing in the Unites States. Study participants were 163 Ghanaian Immigrants between the ages of 45 and 90, attending Ghanaian community churches in Virginia and Maryland. Significant results include a positive correlation between knowledge and perceived seriousness of the disease, perceived seriousness of the disease was negatively correlated with caregiving experience. These results as well as several seemingly counterintuitive findings are discussed in terms of the Health Disparities and Psychometric challenges. Specifically, these results points to the necessity for future research and implication for action in the following areas: 1) Further qualitative exploration to develop a deep, rich understandings of the phenomenon of AD among Ghanaian Immigrants, 2) Improved cultural sensitivity in psychometric assessment with immigrant populations of AD knowledge, perceptions, and willingness to seek assistance, 3) Person Centeredness and Cultural Humility in Educational Interventions to empower individuals and parallel existing cultural beliefs rather than displacing them.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-13-2011