The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45387

Melissa K. Thomas, MSA¹, Doretta K. Thomas¹, Steven E. Ferguson, BA¹, Margaret A. Hiermer, MBA, BSJ, CBA¹, and Janet Sharpe, RN, CMC². (1) Community Outreach, Grant/Riverside Methodist Hospitals, 3726A Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, (614)566-5206, thomam3@ohiohealth.com, (2) Trinity Breast & Cervical Cancer Grant Program, Trinity Medical Center West, 380 Summit Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952

Grounded theory methodology was used in part to develop a multi-layer outreach theory based on evidence-based and qualitative research collected over a four-year period from Amish and non-Amish women living in the world’s largest Amish settlement, located in Ohio. Using data collected from interviews and surveys with 362 Amish and non-Amish women from 1999-2001, knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors on breast health and other health-related issues were measured using The Health Belief Model as the theoretical framework. Additional interviews with Amish bishops, elders, and family members from 1997-2001 were collected and compared to non-Amish residents during the same time period. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to reveal an outreach theory comprised of four inter-related categories: religion, family, community, and world. Each category consists of cultural, behavioral, and structural components identified as critical aspects of an effective outreach program. The inter-relationships between and within each category and its components form the markers used to measure the strengths and weaknesses of any proposed health promotion/education program intended for Amish communities. The results of this study provide insight into the cultural factors of Amish and non-Amish residents in accessing, participating, and continuing health behaviors and serves as a guide to providing health-related outreach programs in underserved communities.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the components of the Hoffnung Outreach Model that are crucial in providing community-based, culturally appropriate health promotion and education programs in underserved communities.
• Recognize the cultural issues, benefits and barriers surrounding health care in Amish communities.

Keywords: Special Populations, Health Promotion

Related Web page: www.projecthoffnung.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Grant: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation