Journal of National Black Nurses' Association : JNBNA
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J Natl Black Nurses Assoc · Jul 2004
ReviewNursing contributions to the elimination of health disparities among African-Americans: review and critique of a decade of research.
The excessive burden of disease experienced by African-Americans has long been described by authorities in the public, private, and professional sector as a national health concern. Several reports have been published in the peer-reviewed literature that describe the outcomes of nurse-directed studies aimed at addressing the factors associated with the disparities experienced by African-Americans and these reports were also aimed toward the design of interventions to reduce and/or eliminate them. However, little is known about the scope, quality, and impact of these efforts relative to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease among African-American population groups. ⋯ This knowledge is relative to the individual and familial impact of cardiovascular disease, cancer diabetes, HIV/AIDS, mental health and mental illness, and sickle cell disease within the African-American community. Knowledge and insights relative to the concerns and needs of childbearing, parenting, the elderly, caregivers and caregiving in African-American population groups is essential if health care disparities are to be truly eliminated. This review, analysis, and critique also revealed several gaps and limitations within this body of nursing research.