How Spiritual Values Correlate With Hospice Use for African Americans

How Spiritual Values Correlate With Hospice Use for African Americans by LaTrina D. Frazier MHA, University of Phoenix, 2005 BS, University of Phoenix, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University February 2015 Abstract End of life hospice services have consistently been underused by African Americans. This disproportionate use of hospice has contributed to poor quality of life and a lack of cost-effective care for patients with terminal illness. Driven by the theory of reasoned action, the purpose of this quantitative study was to test associations between African Americans’ perceptions of hospice, decisions to use hospice, and religiosity. AEnd of life hospice services have consistently been underused by African Americans. This disproportionate use of hospice has contributed to poor quality of life and a lack of cost-effective care for patients with terminal illness. Driven by the theory of reasoned action, the purpose of this quantitative study was to test associations between African Americans’ perceptions of hospice, decisions to use hospice, and religiosity. A convenience sample of 154 African American adults was surveyed online. The survey instrument combined the AARP End of Life survey, Perception of Hospice survey, and the Religiousness Measure survey. The results of a multiple linear regression showed a significant relationship between religiosity and perception of hospice where those who reported a higher level of religiosity had a more favorable perception of hospice (B = .174, p = .041), whereas there was no support of a relationship in which religiosity was a predictor of intent to use hospice (B = -.019, p = .816). Findings also showed the more positive the perception of hospice the lower the rate of intent to use hospice (B = -.181, p = .002). This research could benefit health care providers, researchers, and community members by increasing public awareness and education of hospice. Focus on the underuse of hospice by African Americans may promote positive social change through discussion within communities and hospice agencies about the barriers to service; these results may also foster implementation of interventions and initiatives that improve service to underserved populations. Such efforts could improve quality of life for individuals, their families, and communities. How Spiritual Values Correlate With Hospice Use for African Americans by LaTrina D. Frazier MHA, University of Phoenix, 2005 BS, University of Phoenix, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University February 2015 Dedication This study is dedicated to my noni (Magnolia), my papa (Milton), and anyone who is ever faced with the decision of using hospice. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for the blessing and opportunity to complete my dissertation. I would like to thank my friends and family for your love, support and encouragement, with a special thanks to my husband (Eric) for showing interest and the long nights of allowing me to read to you; my sister (Latisha), my brother (Gregory II), and my sister-in-law (Lakisha) for listening to my endless conversations about my topic; my parents (Gregory Sr. and Sherilyn) for praying for me, supporting me, and giving continuous words of encouragement; my in-laws (Dorothy, and R.T.) for your support and encouragement; and my grandmother (Mordess), who has always shown interest in everything I have done. I love you all. I would finally like to thank Dr. JaMuir Robinson and Dr. Cynthia Tworek for your words of encouragement, support, and guidance during this process. I have definitely been challenged and grown under your instruction.