Unlocking Population-Specific Treatments to Render Equitable Approaches and Management in Cardiovascular Disease: Development of a Situation-Specific Theory for African American Emerging Adults.

Abstract

Emerging adulthood (18-25 years old) is a distinct developmental period in which multiple life transitions pose barriers to engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors that reduce cardiovascular disease risk. There is limited theory-based research on African American emerging adults. This article introduces a synthesized empirically testable situation-specific theory for cardiovascular disease prevention in African American emerging adults. Im and Meleis' integrative approach was used to develop the situation-specific theory. Unlocking Population-Specific Treatments to Render Equitable Approach and Management in Cardiovascular Disease is a situation-specific theory developed based on theoretical and empirical evidence and theorists' research and clinical practice experiences. African American emerging adults have multifaceted factors that influence health behaviors and healthcare needs. Unlocking Population-Specific Treatments to Render Equitable Approaches and Management in Cardiovascular Disease has the potential to inform theory-guided clinical practice and nursing research. Recommendations for integration in nursing practice, research, and policy advocacy are presented. Further critique and testing of the theory are required.