Diabetes in Afircan-American Women, Research Paper Example

Conceptual Framework

This study employs a conceptual framework that is founded on literature on the state of research on the quality of life and the quality of life of individuals living with type II diabetes at a particular point in time. Over the past few years, there has been great concern over the quality of life of patients living with type 2 diabetes, especially African-American women. The quality of life is an inherent factor in the quality of a patient’s response to therapeutic interventions.

This research is founded on the need to develop an unequivocal and reliable overview of the generally held perceptions of the quality of life of African-American women living with type 2 diabetes.  The nature of the quality of life, is relative and subjective in nature owing to the multifaceted attributes that influence and inherently define the quality of life. The subjective dimensions, which are defined by factors such as age, personal background and culture, predominantly influence a patient’s perceptions of their experiences living with type 2 diabetes and other ailments that are associated with the illness. Objective factors, such as resources, social and economic status, play a supplementary role in a patient’s perceptions of their experiences living with type 2 diabetes and other related ailments.

There are three facets to the quality of life. They include; (1) social aspects, (2) physical aspects, and (3) psychological aspects (Fitzpatrick & Kazer, 2012). The social well-being is characterized by the patient’s ability to access adequate levels of interaction with family friends, and in the process fulfilling their roles within society. Physical well-being is defined by the patient’s perceived health, functional health status and physical symptoms.  The psychological well-being is determined by the patient’s self-perception, level of contentment, productivity and emotional adjustment.

This conceptual framework effectively applies to the study as it will provide the foundation for the accurate analysis and interpretation of information generated from patients. This framework provides the underlying variables that are to be considered in the study so as to generate a clear picture of how African-American women perceive their experiences living with type 2 diabetes and other ailments related to the illness.

Limitations

The study cannot full rely on the questionnaires to obtain information as there is no way of validating it. Furthermore, it may not reflect the respondents full input as they may have be given much time for thought (Taylor, Kermode, & Roberts, 2007). This limitation will be countered by the face-to-face interviews that would be organized for each participant. This would provide the researcher and the participant ample time and a favorable environment for optimal disclosure possible from the participant.

Ethical Concerns

The only ethical concern is the sensitivity of the information that the study will seek. Some of the information that will be collected may entail personal social and economic information that participants’ would inherently like to keep private. A consent form will be presented to participants, prior to engaging in any research activity. This will seek to protect the participants’ rights, as well as ensure the integrity of information collected.

Significance of the Study

This study is crucial in identifying and quantifying the most important factors that influence African-American women experiences living with type 2 diabetes and aliments related to the illness. This study is crucial for African-American women as they are particularly prone to developing heart problems that may be triggered by type 2 diabetes. Highlighting these factors is essential for developing the most effective measures to fight type 2 diabetes in African-American women and mitigate their risk of developing heart problems as a result of the condition.

References

Fitzpatrick, J. J., & Kazer, M. W. (2012). Encyclopedia of Nursing Research (3rd ed.). New York: Springer Pub.

Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2006). Essentials of nursing research : methods, appraisal, and utilization (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Taylor, B., Kermode, S., & Roberts, K. (2007). Research in nursing and health care : evidence for practice (3rd ed.). Melbourne: Thomson.