Paper
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
This presentation is part of : Alternative Health Practices
Health Beliefs, Practices and Satisfaction in a Rural Virginia Population: A Look at CAM (Complementary/Alternative Medicine) and Conventional Medicine
Virginia K. Weisz, MS, OGNP, School of Nursing, Radford University, Radford, VA, USA
Learning Objective #1: Discuss the level of satisfaction with health care practices within a culture of folk medicine in a rural southwest Virginia population.
Learning Objective #2: Utilize perceived barriers to develop nursing interventions for integrative medicine delivery in a rural southwest Virginia population.
The purpose of this study was to survey a randomized sample of homeowners in a rural Southwest Virginia population within a culture of folk medicine, in order to determine their health care beliefs, practices and satisfaction.  A survey of eight questions utilizing a likert scale, investigated health care, practices, satisfaction, characteristics important in choosing a health care provider, and perceived barriers and the use of alternative/complementary health care practices and home remedies.  The survey was mailed to a sample of 1012.  The survey instrument was developed using themes identified in a qualitative study of two focus groups from the same area.  Participants were provided with a stamped addressed envelope, fax number and or electronic submission address.  Approximately 150 surveys were returned.
Participants in the study came from a variety of ethnic, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds with medical problems including heart disease, disease, depression, migraines, hypertension and arthritis.  The majority of those surveyed stated that they were treated by family practice physicians and dentists, although many were seen by alternative practitioners such as oriental medicine providers and or chiropractors. Participants were somewhat to very satisfied with available health care; expertise and people skills were followed by openness to the client’s ideas in their selection of a healthcare provider.  Barriers most often listed were cost of visits and prescriptions.
The most often used complementary therapy was prayer, followed by herbs, massage and chiropractic therapy.  Home remedies used were multiple, from the use of poultices, cherry juice, blue-green algae, honey and vinegar, light therapy, magnet therapy, fish oil and “good witchcraft”.  Participants saw the lack of insurance reimbursement as a barrier to use. Statistical analysis is being undertaken for spring 2006, with a journal publication anticipated.
 

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