Defense Date

10-27-2022

Graduation Date

Fall 12-16-2022

Availability

One-year Embargo

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Nursing

School

School of Nursing

Committee Chair

Rick Zoucha

Committee Member

Khlood Salman

Committee Member

Barbara Martinez

Keywords

Mexican, health, health care access, nonmetro, family, limited English proficiency, folk care

Abstract

Introduction: The population of Mexican heritage individuals has grown significantly in nonmetro, emerging communities. The purpose of this study was to explore the health and health care needs and experiences of this population in the Midwest. Methods: Leininger’s Culture Care Theory and Ethnonursing Research Methods were used as the guiding theory and methodology for the qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 27 informants. Recordings were transcribed and analyzed according to Leininger’s phases of data analysis. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: 1. living a better life in a nonmetro community with and for family, 2. barriers to understanding and accessing health care in a nonmetro community, and 3. use of folk care as a primary way to prevent and treat illness before seeking professional care. Discussion: Results provided insight into the health and health care needs of this population, and understanding these needs is important for providing culturally congruent care.

Language

English

Included in

Nursing Commons

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