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

Abstract

This article explores the ways spirituality intertwines with the health and culture of those living in the Appalachian region. Nursing has long considered the value of spirituality and faith, noting its complex connections with health and illness. Literature pertaining to spirituality, health, and the culture of those residing in the Appalachian region was reviewed. Although the review suggests that connections between spirituality and health exist, empirical evidence is limited, somewhat dated, and lacks viable conclusions relative to the diverse needs of the Appalachian population. Focused research that addresses strongly linked operationally defined variables is needed to strengthen the evidence for clarity about distinct applications to practice.

Perceptions and experiences of pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong on prenatal meditation: A qualitative study

“…[64,65] Qualitative description study results have tremendous potential to translate directly to pressing health care situations and provide clear information about ways to improve care. [66] Raine et al [67] found that pregnancy care providers require communications training to encourage empathic interactions that promote constructive provider-user relationships and encourage women to engage effectively and assess the care they need.…”

Potential of technology to improve the availability and use of health information on cancer subjects for clergy from rural communities

“…The cultural framework of religion/spirituality is frequently more influential than the cultural framework of medicine (Behringer & Krishnan, 2011). Cancer patients often rely on their church and clergy as a trusted source of information for supplemental or alternative information as an influence on their attitudes and behaviours regarding use of care (Dibble & Denham, 2010). This theme also emerged in community based participatory research studies in the region.…”

The Impact of Spirituality on Wellness for Appalachian Older Adults

“…To address some of these disparities, researchers must look at what older adults believe is the foundation of their wellness. According to the literature, one important cultural value that appears to support wellness and resilience in Appalachia is spirituality (Diddle & Denham, ; Helton & Keller, ; Linscott, ). By understanding the significance of spirituality, helping professionals can leverage the role of spirituality in wellness among older adults in Appalachia.…”

“…ARC (n.d.) defined Appalachia as a 205,000‐square‐mile area covering 13 states and 420 counties along the Appalachian Mountains that is home to 25 million people. One in three people are older adults in Appalachia (ARC, n.d.; Diddle & Denham, ; Goins et al, ). As this sector of the population grows, counselors will become increasingly important to service teams trying to meet the needs of older adults (Schwiebert, Myers, & Dice, ).…”

“…Concentrated populations of African American, Native American, and Hispanic individuals are not uncommon in Appalachia, and there are deep roots and heritages that tie these populations to the region for different reasons (Keefe, ). One such group consists of individuals who are triracial (i.e., Caucasian, Native American, and African American) and who have lived in parts of Appalachia for generations (Diddle & Denham, ).…”