Abstract
The Appalachian Region, commonly known as Appalachia and located in the Eastern United States, has assimilated a unique society, medical and otherwise, due to its geographic and cultural isolation. Geography, along with the institutions of religion and family, have created a fatalistic, health illiterate society in which members have a lack of self-efficacy (the ability of a person to engage in healthy behaviors) and often remain in denial about their health status. Health care professionals working in the region face unique challenges and are often inept at dealing with their patients’ specific cultural needs. Specific strategies must be developed to tackle the distinctive health issues created by Appalachian culture if the myriad of health issues in the region are to be mitigated.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 2012
Mentor
Suzanne Byrd
Mentor Department Affiliation
Biological Sciences
Access Options
Restricted Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Department
Biological Sciences
Recommended Citation
Atwater, Chelsea A., "The Medical Culture of Appalachia" (2012). Honors Theses. 5.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/5
