Testing Rural Nursing Theory: Perceptions and Needs of Service Providers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to validate concepts from rural nursing theory (Long & Weinert, 1989) by exploring the health perceptions and needs of rural adults employed in service industries and living in communities of less than 1,500 persons. Thirty-eight adults in eleven rural communities participated in interviews asking questions about their health and how they responded to their own illnesses and injuries. Naturalistic inquiry using field research techniques was the method used for the study. Four major themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: definition of health, distance and access to resources, the symptom-action-time line process, and choice. For these participants, being healthy meant being able to function whether at work or play. Distance was a major part of their lives, particularly in accessing prescription medications, health care specialists and emergency care. The symptom-action-time-line process was evident in seeking care for illness and injury. A previously unidentified theme in the rural nursing theory was the concept of choice, choice of residence and choice of health care providers (HCP). Participants chose to live in rural communities because of family ties; others had moved in from other states or, having moved to a more densely populated area, chose to return. Choice of HCP was dependent on availability of resources, time of day, weather conditions, and knowledge of the available quality of care. Implications for practice and recommendations for research and rural nursing theory development are discussed.