This exploratory research paper investigated the coping strategies of families of hospitalized psychiatric patients and identified their positive and negative coping strategies. In this paper, the coping strategies of 45 family members were examined using a descriptive, correlational, mixed method research approach. Guided by the Neuman Systems Model and using the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales and semistructured interviews, this paper found that these family members used more emotion-focused coping strategies than problem-focused coping strategies. The common coping strategies used by family members were communicating with immediate family, acceptance of their situation, passive appraisal, avoidance, and spirituality. The family members also utilized resources and support systems, such as their immediate families, mental health care professionals, and their churches.

Purpose-The purpose of this study was to describe diabetes self-management practices and service utilization among Gullah families in South Carolina.Methods-Data were obtained from 1,276 persons with type 2 diabetes through interviews using the Family Health History Questionnaire. This was a primary analysis of a project conducted in conjunction with a parent study (Project SuGar) which focused on the molecular aspects of diabetes. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.Results-Diabetes self-management behaviors were not consistent with recommendations from the American Diabetes Association. Over half (55.6%) reported exercising, but only 27.7% reported self-glucose monitoring. Service utilization was poor, less than half, (41.1%) reported referral to a diabetic class/diet, 32.8% reported making yearly visits to the ophthalmologist; 22.3% reported visiting the dentist, and only 12.8% reported visiting the podiatrist.Conclusions-Although some self-management behaviors were identified, Gullah family members remain at risk for preventable diabetes complications. Education must reflect behaviors and beliefs valued by Gullah individuals. Culturally appropriate educational programs may increase use of health care services aimed at decreasing preventable complications of type 2diabetes in the Gullah population.

Background: African Americans are disproportionately affected by colorectal cancer. Cancer fatalism is a construct that may be associated with poor participation in health-promoting behaviors, particularly colorectal cancer screening among African Americans. Methods:This study explores the relationship among colorectal knowledge, cancer fatalism, and religious coping among 479 individuals attending African American churches in North Carolina. Linear regression analyses were performed with cancer fatalism as the dependent variable.Results: Linear regression analyses showed that lower levels of colorectal cancer knowledge were significantly associated with greater levels of cancer fatalism. Negative religious coping was significantly associated with greater levels of cancer fatalism. No relationship occurred for positive religious coping or religious denominational affiliation and cancer fatalism. Lower education level and lower income level had an association with increased cancer fatalism. Conclusions:Healthcare providers should educate African Americans about colorectal cancer. Also, healthcare providers and religious leaders should consider jointly developing strategies to reduce negative religious coping that is a phenolmenon rooted in strong social ties that thrive in religious settings, such as the African American church environment. Also, both education level and income level should be considered when developing interventions to address cancer fatalism among African Americans.

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