Abstract
Purpose : To explore the methods used by public health nurses (PHNs) to provide culturally appropriate health counseling for community residents in order to prevent life-style related diseases in rural areas. Methods : In 3 rural areas, a total of 14 subjects who have shown changes in habits that are necessary for preventing life-style related diseases after health counseling by 3 PHNs were enrolled as participants. Participant observation was conducted at health counseling sessions and during interviews with PHNs. Qualitative and inductive analysis was conducted on the following research questions: a) "What cultural themes did PHNs consider in health counseling?" b) "How did PHNs use those cultural matters in health counseling?" and c) "How did subjects respond?" Results : Four important cultural themes, including home style and work style that incorporate the sense of values common to the elderly, were extracted. Four methods for using these cultural themes, including 'addressing cultural issues when suggesting factors in life-style related diseases and making residents conscious of them', 'explaining the cultural reasons why life-style could be a factor in life-style related diseases, and motivating them to change their habits', 'understanding the value of their life-style and helping them to identify methods for changing their behavior,' and 'proposing methods that correlate classic and new habits in order to reinforce their decision,' were observed. Conclusion : PHNs are required to understand the generation and background of community residents in order to make them feel comfortable. When comfortable, the residents can act independently to change their behavior.
