Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to explore and describe conceptualizations of health held by migrant farmworker women. Theoretical framework: Transition theory and a feminist approach were used to guide this research and interpret the findings. Research Design: Qualitative description from a naturalistic perspective was used to explore conceptualizations of health provided by 21 migrant farmworker women during a migration experience to the Great Lakes area of the United States. Analysis of findings: Content analysis was used to examine transcribed audiotaped interviews. Line-by-line coding lead to identification of four broad categories: (a) being at peace; (b) ability to perform role responsibilities; (c) absence of illness, disease, and symptoms; and (d) adaptation to life circumstances. Relevance for nursing practice: Understanding how migrant farmworker women conceptualize their health can lead to development of relevant and effective interventions that decrease or eliminate health disparities for this underserved population of women.
Session #1209 - Cultural Meaning & Health & Illness
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)