Western Kentucky University
Understanding Perceived Pediatric Healthcare Needs in the Rural Mennonite Communities of South-Central Kentucky: A Community-Based Research Study
Grade Level at Time of Presentation
Junior
Major
Nursing
Institution 24-25
Western Kentucky University
KY House District #
19
KY Senate District #
16
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Dr. Kim Link
Department
Dept. of Nursing
Abstract
This project aims to assess the healthcare needs, opinions, and access to modern pediatric medicine within a Mennonite community in South-Central Kentucky. While Anabaptist communities often live more isolated lifestyles and may avoid modern healthcare, little research has focused on the perspectives of parents in this region. The study surveyed Mennonite parents to understand their experiences with both modern and homeopathic pediatric medicine, their access to care, and factors influencing their healthcare decisions. A standardized child health questionnaire and a culturally sensitive healthcare preferences questionnaire was distributed to 70 families, with a response rate of 41.The results will provide insights into the pediatric healthcare needs of Anabaptist communities and inform future healthcare strategies for these populations. Findings will be shared at the WKU Student Scholar Conference and submitted for publication.
Understanding Perceived Pediatric Healthcare Needs in the Rural Mennonite Communities of South-Central Kentucky: A Community-Based Research Study
This project aims to assess the healthcare needs, opinions, and access to modern pediatric medicine within a Mennonite community in South-Central Kentucky. While Anabaptist communities often live more isolated lifestyles and may avoid modern healthcare, little research has focused on the perspectives of parents in this region. The study surveyed Mennonite parents to understand their experiences with both modern and homeopathic pediatric medicine, their access to care, and factors influencing their healthcare decisions. A standardized child health questionnaire and a culturally sensitive healthcare preferences questionnaire was distributed to 70 families, with a response rate of 41.The results will provide insights into the pediatric healthcare needs of Anabaptist communities and inform future healthcare strategies for these populations. Findings will be shared at the WKU Student Scholar Conference and submitted for publication.