Somali Immigrant Perceptions of Mental Health and Illness: An Ethnonursing Study

The purpose of this qualitative ethnonursing research study was to explore, discover, and understand the mental health meanings, beliefs, and practices from the perspective of immigrant Somalis living in the United States. Leininger's Culture Care Diversity and Universality Theory, ethnonursing method, and ethnonursing enablers were utilized as organizing frameworks for studying the domain of inquiry. Interviews were conducted with 21 general informants and 9 key informants, all of whom were Somali immigrants living in Minnesota. Utilizing the ethnonursing data analysis enabler, analysis of the interviews revealed 21 categories and 9 patterns from which two main themes emerged. The themes were (a) significant influences of religion on health and care and (b) tribe connectedness, cultural history, and khat usage are significant in health care access and treatment. These findings also detailed what Somali immigrants may value, need and expect from health care professionals. Implications and recommendations for practice, education, and research are described.

Name thesis:degree_name

PhD

Level thesis:degree_level

Immediate Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nursing

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Wolf, Kimberly Michelle

Contributors dc:contributor

• Rick Zoucha
• Khlood Salman
• Marilyn McFarland

• Culture Care Theory
• Ethnonursing
• Immigrants
• Mental Health
• Psychiatry
• Somali

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dsc.duq.edu/etd/1378

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dsc.duq.edu:etd-2394