Nursing research with African American and Hispanic people: guidelines for action.

In this article we have noted some of the conceptual and methodologic issues and challenges involved in conducting research with two ethnic/racial populations. In addition, we raised questions and gave recommendations to provide nurse researchers with guides as to how they might conceptualize and conduct and critique research with two groups. While this is not a strict blueprint, it is hoped that the guidelines and recommendations will serve as a focal point about which continued discourse and critical thinking about conducting research with members of ethnically/racially diverse groups may occur. The complex issues presented are not unique to nursing. Researchers from various disciplines have enumerated similar issues and, in turn, have been critical of research findings with samples of ethnic/racial groups. While a cadre of nurse researchers has begun to accept the challenge and to struggle with issues, more--much more--is needed. Conducting research with racial/ethnic minority populations in general, and African American and Hispanic peoples in particular, is necessary if nursing is to fulfill its societal mandate. Historically the scientific base for nursing practice has been described as being deficient in areas associated with cultural diversity. Few studies with deliberate cross-cultural or multicultural foci exist. According to Stevenson, laws of health and nursing must be constructed from research conducted with people of multiple cultures so that generalizations about health are valid representations of existing realities.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)