coping Strategies of Rural Families of Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

This study explored the coping strategies of families of critically ill patients in a rural Southern Appalachian setting. A convenience sample of 30 family members of 22 critically ill patients in two rural hospitals completed the Jaloweic Coping Scale. The five most frequently used coping methods were helping, thinking positively, worrying about the problem, trying to find out more about the problem and trying to handle things one step at a time. The five most effective coping strategies were talking the problem over with friends, praying, thinking about the good things in life, trying to handle things one step at a time and trying to see the good side of the situation. Findings contradicted many of the more "negative" descriptions of Appalachian people in the literature. Similarities outweighed differences when comparing the coping styles of rural and urban populations. Findings suggest that coping strategies must be considered for positive outcomes in the delivery of care to such a rural population.

Information Seeking and Intentions to Have Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancers in Rural and Appalachian Kentuckians

“…Also, Appalachians did not differ from non‐Appalachians on family history, religiosity, and subjective knowledge of genetics. These findings would not seem to support cultural differences in religiosity and family awareness 5,6 …”

“…The high burden of cancer and the challenges in preventing and controlling cancer led to the inclusion of the Appalachia Cancer Network among the National Cancer Institute’s Special Populations Networks. Although Appalachia is culturally diverse, consistent is a tendency toward more conservative religious beliefs, 5 a focus on the family, and an importance of knowing family history 6 . Hence, Appalachians may be more aware of family history of cancer due to close kinship ties.…”

Spirituality and Its Relationships With the Health and Illness of Appalachian People

“…Often, within the region, family and church members are perceived in similar ways (Gross, 2005), thus care providers may extend to a church family. When dealing with health problems, Appalachians tend to rely heavily on support from faith, family, and friends (Denham, Meyer, Toborg, & Mande, 2004;Hunsucker, Flannery, & Frank, 2000).…”

The Storied Nature of Health Legacies in the Familial Experience of Type 2 Diabetes

“…Those that live in the region often make medical decisions together and women typically oversee nutrition and health routines in households (Coyne, Demian-Popescu, & Friend, 2006). Appalachians tend to rely heavily on support from faith, family, and friends (Gross, 2005;Hunsucker, Flannery, & Frank, 2000). Because extended family networks are prevalent, family and cultural scripts are deeply ingrained in meaning making processes.…”