The Health Beliefs and Practices of an Old Order Amish Family

Abstract

In caring for people from different cultures, it is important that nurses acknowledge the health beliefs and practices of clients. The purpose of this case study was to describe the health beliefs and practices of one Old Order Amish family. The study was conducted by interviewing a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Old Order Amish family. The data focused on five areas of inquiry: (a) care of elderly family members, (b) health practices, (c) home births, (d) death, and (e) health insurance. This study revealed that the Old Order Amish have health beliefs and practices that are unique to their culture.