Health Behaviors of Somali Families

Location

CSU 201

Start Date

22-4-2008 10:30 AM

End Date

22-4-2008 12:15 PM

Student's Major

School of Nursing

Student's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Mentor's Name

Norma Krumwiede

Mentor's Department

School of Nursing

Mentor's College

Allied Health and Nursing

Description

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to gain an understanding of how Somali individuals and families exhibit health promotion and disease prevention behaviors. The aim of the study was to discover what social processes families use to make decisions relating to the health of individual members. Since Somali people are very private, individual interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of their health behaviors. The research questions focused on what behaviors were used to stay healthy while in Somalia, what health behaviors Somali are using here in the United States, and how Somali people exhibit health promotion and disease prevention behaviors. After completing an extensive literature review and obtaining IRB approval, the researcher conducted fifteen individual interviews. A demographic questionnaire and a nine question interview guide were utilized to obtain the research data. The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Data analysis identified various health problems and health behaviors as described by the participants. Themes included increased stress related to roles and responsibilities, sad memories, and no health insurance. Overall findings were that Somali families use social support, practice religion by praying and reading the Quran or Holy Book of Islam, and eat healthy foods to maintain health and reduce the risk of illness. The nursing profession must be aware of the fatalistic worldview of the Somali people. Specifically, most Somali people believe that whenever they face a difficult time the problem has come from God and the individual must deal with the situation. This cultural belief can greatly impact health care.

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Apr 22nd, 10:30 AM Apr 22nd, 12:15 PM

Health Behaviors of Somali Families

CSU 201

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to gain an understanding of how Somali individuals and families exhibit health promotion and disease prevention behaviors. The aim of the study was to discover what social processes families use to make decisions relating to the health of individual members. Since Somali people are very private, individual interviews were conducted to gain a deeper understanding of their health behaviors. The research questions focused on what behaviors were used to stay healthy while in Somalia, what health behaviors Somali are using here in the United States, and how Somali people exhibit health promotion and disease prevention behaviors. After completing an extensive literature review and obtaining IRB approval, the researcher conducted fifteen individual interviews. A demographic questionnaire and a nine question interview guide were utilized to obtain the research data. The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and analyzed for themes. Data analysis identified various health problems and health behaviors as described by the participants. Themes included increased stress related to roles and responsibilities, sad memories, and no health insurance. Overall findings were that Somali families use social support, practice religion by praying and reading the Quran or Holy Book of Islam, and eat healthy foods to maintain health and reduce the risk of illness. The nursing profession must be aware of the fatalistic worldview of the Somali people. Specifically, most Somali people believe that whenever they face a difficult time the problem has come from God and the individual must deal with the situation. This cultural belief can greatly impact health care.

Recommended Citation

Salim, Amina. "Health Behaviors of Somali Families." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 22, 2008.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2008/oral-session-12/5