Disability and health: exploring the disablement experience of young adult African Americans

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine disablement as experienced by young adult African American men and women with permanent mobility impairment. Method: This study included a sample of 5 male and 5 female participants ranging in age from 22 to 39. An exploratory descriptive design and qualitative methods, including interviews and fieldnotes, were used. Interview data was analyzed using the process of inductive qualitative content analysis. Results: Basic desires for independence, shared intimacy, and psychological and physical health were not diminished by physical limitations. The disablement experience of this group is reflected in the themes of “Cumulative Losses” and “Sustained Desires”. The findings of this study describe the high level of motivation that young adult African American men and women with disabilities have to improve levels of health and well-being within the context of their impairments. Conclusion: This study provides a better understanding of the contextual factors and experiences that may contribute to the development of further disability and subsequent health-related problems over time. Increased knowledge of the disablement experience of these young men and women may assist health care entities and social service providers in improving health care and rehabilitation efforts targeting this group.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Disablement among African American Young Adults

• This study's findings describe the high level of motivation that young adult African American men and women with disabilities have to improve levels of health and well-being.

• The two primary themes, “Cumulative Losses” and “Sustained Desires”, suggest that despite a number of significant losses, several innate desires remained intact in the context of impairment.

• Understanding the disablement experience of young African Americans may assist health care entities and social service providers in improving health care targeting this group.

• African Americans
• minority health
• young adults

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the research participants who participated in this study and gave generously of their time.