African American grandmothers\u27 perceptions of caregiver concerns associated with rearing adolescent grandchildren

In 1996, grandparents were the sole providers of care for 269,000 grandchildren. Research findings indicate that grandmothers are usually the primary caretakers of grandchildren. Previous issues associated with raising grandchildren vary, but usually relate to the grandparents\u27 health, financial concerns, or lack of social support. This qualitative descriptive study was designed to describe African American grandmothers\u27 perceptions about the burdens of raising adolescent grandchildren. Using this approach, the researchers were able to study the richness and diversity of the grandmothers\u27 perceptions. Data were collected from 35 grandmothers through a focus group (n = 7) and during a 4-day intervention research study (n = 28) entitled Grandmother-Grandchild Health Promotion Program. Numerous concerns were voiced by both groups, but those stated most frequently were associated with the well-being of grandchildren (grandchildren\u27s sexual behavior, potential drug use, and potential risk of encountering violence) and relational conflicts with adult children. Unexpected findings were the absence of stated concerns associated with the grandmothers\u27 financial situation or health. Recommendations for intervention, clinical practice, and research are discussed. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company