Eastern European Orthodox Christian Immigrant Women: A Pilot Study and Needs Assessment

Author

Kimberly A. Babich-Speck, Otterbein UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2021

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

Advisor

Joy Shoemaker

First Committee Member

Joy Shoemaker

Second Committee Member

George Thomas

Third Committee Member

Cynthia George

Keywords

Eastern European Immigrant, Orthodox Christian Women, transcultural nursing, women's trust and healthcare, perceptions of women's healthcare, perceptions of abortion

Subject Categories

Family Practice Nursing | Folklore | Medicine and Health | Medicine and Health Sciences | Other Nursing | Other Religion | Public Health and Community Nursing | Race and Ethnicity | Slavic Languages and Societies | Social and Cultural Anthropology

Abstract

The healthcare perceptions of the Eastern European Orthodox Christian immigrant women (EEOCIW) to the United States (U.S.) are under-represented in the literature. Although they appear similar to Americans, their cultural and religious traditions are outside the mainstream American culture. This pilot study and health needs assessment examines the women’s healthcare perceptions of 14 EEOCIW and identifies similarities and differences with 25 U.S. born Orthodox Christian women (USOCW). Between September and November 2020, interviews were conducted with Orthodox Christian immigrant women from Eastern Europe and Orthodox Christian women born in the U.S. Questions covered the perceptions of women’s healthcare, factors influencing women’s healthcare, contraception, and trust. Madeline Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality was used to analyze the similarities and differences between the groups of women. Qualitative content analysis was the primary analytic strategy. Ten themes emerged. Findings indicate unique cultural healthcare needs. Understanding the perspectives of these women is the first step in addressing their needs. The information presented is important because it provides healthcare practitioners insights and recommendations that can improve the lives of both groups of women. Continued research on the social structure dimensions and worldview will help ensure culturally congruent care that encourages holistic health and wellbeing, and will provide for needs and comforts during times of disability, illness, dying, and death.

Licensing Permission

Copyright, all rights reserved. Fair Use

Recommended Citation

Babich-Speck, Kimberly A., "Eastern European Orthodox Christian Immigrant Women: A Pilot Study and Needs Assessment" (2021). Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarly Projects. 56.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_doc/56