Practicing Preventive Health: The Underlying Culture Among Low-Income Rural Populations

摘要: Context: Health disparities on the basis of geographic location, social economic factors and education levels are well documented. However, even when health care services available, there is no guarantee that all persons will take preventive measures. Understanding cultural beliefs, practices, lifestyle choices determine utilization an important factor in combating chronic diseases. Purpose: The purpose this study was to investigate personal, cultural, external barriers interfered with participating a community-based outreach program included screening for obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension cost transportation were addressed. Methods: Six focus groups conducted rural community Louisiana. Focus divided into 2 categories: participants nonparticipants. Three completed Dubach Outreach Project (DUHOP) 3 group interviews moderated by researcher experienced interviews; graduate student assisted recording note-taking during sessions. Findings: Four main themes associated participation emerged from discussions: (1) time, (2) low priority, (3) fear unknown, (4) lack companionship or support. concerns, free services, enjoyment, food identified as motivators participation. Conclusions: findings indicated resulting synergy between low-income status motivation regarding prevention created complicated practice procrastination, which resulted unnecessary emergency disease progression. To change proactive self care, concerted effort need be implemented policy makers, funding agents, providers, leaders members.