Storytelling as a method to teach African American women breast health information.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the use of storytelling as a method to teach breast health information to older African American women. A qualitative design utilizing the focus-group method. Six story types (categories) emerged from the focus-group data and were integrated into the breast health education class. Categories were: 1) loss, 2) pain, 3) suffering, 4) fear and worry/stress, 5) death, and 6) faith in God and prayer. Three major outcomes resulted from the storytelling format: 1) peer teaching enhanced learning, 2) incorrect information was identified and clarified, and 3) personal experiences were validated. Integration of African American women's self-identified issues and concerns with breast health messages through storytelling resulted in a meaningful teaching-learning experience.