Participation Type
Poster
Session Title
Session 3.09 Poster Session
Presentation #1 Title
The Challenges of Constructing a Genogram on an Appalachian Extended Family Health Consciousness
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
Introduction According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Appalachians exhibit high rates of chronic disease-related behaviors such as smoking, unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle. Heightened health consciousness, being aware of and valuing one's health, might lead to healthier lifestyles. Knowing that matriarchs are influential in closely-knit Appalachian extended families, a West Virginia family physician identified thirty-six older Appalachian women in his practice. They were each sent 6-page mailings inviting them to participate, along with their extended family, in constructing a genogram. A genogram displays inter-generational patterns of health and disease. It was hypothesized that family members' health consciousness might increase after participation in the project. However, none of the thirty-four women contacted agreed to participate. The reasons for their non-participation were explored. Methods All the potential participants were mailed a survey and follow-up phone interviews were conducted with twenty-five women. The reasons given for non-participation were collated and arranged in order of frequency. Narrative written and verbal comments were examined for recurring themes. Results The primary reasons offered were that the correspondents were uncertain of what was being asked or felt overwhelmed about participating. Also, they cited their families as too sparse, scattered and busy to participate. Nevertheless, in phone conversations, many correspondents indicated willingness to participate in the future. Conclusion The recruitment mailings posed significant obstacles for participants who, when subsequently engaged by phone, were actually favorably disposed. Recruitment of patients from Appalachian practices for similar projects might require personal, oral engagement.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Dilip Nair, M.D., a family physician and professor in the department of Family and Community Health, while of sub-continent Indian ethnicity having grown up in southern Africa, has lived in West Virginia for over 20 years and has developed a strong affinity for the Appalachian people. He has strong interests in community health in a global health context.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #2
Indira Bhavsar is a second year medical student at Marshall University's School of Medicine. Her family members are Appalachian natives, and she has a strong interest in health care disparities present in the Appalachian region.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #3
Nafeeza Hussain is a second year medical student at Marshall University's School of Medicine. She has previously worked in a non-profit setting, helping to provide healthcare access to underserved populations and is interested in public health.
The Challenges of Constructing a Genogram on an Appalachian Extended Family Health Consciousness
MSC Lobby
Introduction According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Appalachians exhibit high rates of chronic disease-related behaviors such as smoking, unhealthy eating and sedentary lifestyle. Heightened health consciousness, being aware of and valuing one's health, might lead to healthier lifestyles. Knowing that matriarchs are influential in closely-knit Appalachian extended families, a West Virginia family physician identified thirty-six older Appalachian women in his practice. They were each sent 6-page mailings inviting them to participate, along with their extended family, in constructing a genogram. A genogram displays inter-generational patterns of health and disease. It was hypothesized that family members' health consciousness might increase after participation in the project. However, none of the thirty-four women contacted agreed to participate. The reasons for their non-participation were explored. Methods All the potential participants were mailed a survey and follow-up phone interviews were conducted with twenty-five women. The reasons given for non-participation were collated and arranged in order of frequency. Narrative written and verbal comments were examined for recurring themes. Results The primary reasons offered were that the correspondents were uncertain of what was being asked or felt overwhelmed about participating. Also, they cited their families as too sparse, scattered and busy to participate. Nevertheless, in phone conversations, many correspondents indicated willingness to participate in the future. Conclusion The recruitment mailings posed significant obstacles for participants who, when subsequently engaged by phone, were actually favorably disposed. Recruitment of patients from Appalachian practices for similar projects might require personal, oral engagement.
