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The purpose of this study was to examine HIV-related beliefs of rural African American women who use stimulant drugs and their perceived risk for acquiring HIV. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 African American women living in the Mississippi Delta region of rural Arkansas. All women in the study were active users of crack and/or powder cocaine. We used the qualitative methods of content analysis and constant comparison to analyze the transcribed interviews. Four major themes emerged from the analysis: 1) Knowledge and Beliefs, 2) Don't Ask, Don't Tell, 3) Staying Safe, and 4) Surviving in the Community. Based on participants' responses, we discuss implications for framing new risk-reduction interventions tailored to the specific needs of this high-risk population at both the individual and community levels.

To purchase or authenticate to the full-text of this article, please visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-6155.2008.00173.x Byline: Angela L. Green (1), Jean McSweeney (2), Kathy Ainley (1), Janet Bryant (1) Keywords: Organ transplantation; quality of life; school-age children Abstract: PURPOSE. The purpose of this focused ethnographic study was to explore the quality of life (QOL) of school-age heart-transplant recipients. DESIGN AND METHODS. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 11 parent-child dyads. Data were analyzed using content analysis and constant comparison. RESULTS. Participants identified key factors impacting the children's QOL including: participation in normal activities, normalcy, staying healthy, sources of strength and support, and struggles (parents' perspectives) and doing what kids do, being with family and friends, and being a heart transplant kid (children's perspectives). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS. Interventions focusing on the key factors identified by participants may impact the QOL of school-age heart-transplant recipients. Author Affiliation: (1)Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR, USA (2)College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA Article History: First received April 21, 2008; Accepted for publication July 25, 2008. Article note: Author contact: greenal@archildrens.org, with a copy to the Editor: roxie.foster@UCDenver.edu

Diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in women is difficult since chest pain may not be a hallmark symptom. Research is needed to identify symptoms experienced by women with AMI to facilitate timely diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to identify new symptoms and their evolution experienced by women prior to diagnosis of AMI. Non-probability sampling was used to select 20 diverse women. Intensive home interviews were conducted and transcribed. Content analysis and constant comparison were used to develop nine data clusters: Location of Pain; Intensity of Pain/Sensations; Cardiovascular/Temperature Changes; Respiratory Sensations; Gastrointestinal Symptoms; Emotions; Hand and Arm Sensations; Neurological/Vision Changes; and Fatigue. Some women progressed to AMI in minutes while others had symptoms for weeks. Findings should increase awareness of women's symptoms of AMI. Further research is needed with a larger sample.

Purpose: To address the lack of information in nursing for delivering culturally appropriate care and provide a framework for nurses to incorporate diverse beliefs and health needs into research and practice. People interpret and react to health and illness events within a cultural system. However, the nursing literature contains little about how to elicit cultural beliefs. Organizing Framework: Use of Kleinman's (1980) concept of explanatory models (EMs) is explored first, by describing the concept as it was developed by Kleinman, and second, by illustrating how it was used in three research studies conducted between 1990 and 1994. Method: Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with community-based convenience samples. Data were analyzed using content analysis. Explanatory models were explored with healthy people, with people following illness, and with people having a condition with potential health risks, to illustrate their usefulness in nursing research and practice. Conclusions: The findings provide a beginning understanding of the complex linkages between beliefs and actions and demonstrate the versatility and usefulness of EMs for nursing research and practice. Assessing models offers one means for researchers and clinicians to explore health beliefs and the linkages between beliefs and behaviors., Explanatory models, individual views that show the cultural contexts of illness and health, can be used in nursing research to promote sensitivity to patients' cultures and beliefs. An explanatory model is developed by asking questions that elicit a person's understanding of sicknesses, possible health risks, and healthy behavior. Using explanatory models as part of a patient's history provides caregivers with the information needed to create individualized and culturally sensitive care.