Beliefs and Coping Related to Terminal and Chronic Illness Diagnoses Among Adults in Appalachia
Abstract
Beliefs about illness causation and prognosis play a significant role in how individuals understand diagnoses, cope with disease, and engage in treatment decisions. In the Appalachian region, cultural and faith-based beliefs are often expressed through fatalistic language such as “It must be God’s will” or “This was the Lord’s plan,” particularly in response to serious health conditions. The objective of this research-in-progress project is to explore beliefs related to terminal and chronic illness diagnoses among adults living in Appalachia and to understand how these beliefs influence coping mechanisms and perceptions of treatment options. The guiding research question is: How do adults in Appalachia interpret terminal and chronic illness diagnoses, and what beliefs shape their coping responses and views on treatment? This study seeks to address a gap in nursing knowledge regarding culturally influenced fatalism and its implications for patient-centered care in Appalachian populations. This qualitative study is currently in the planning phase and will involve semi-structured interviews with adults diagnosed with terminal illnesses, such as cancer, and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. Participants will be recruited from the Appalachian region following Institutional Review Board approval. Interviews will explore participants’ beliefs about why they contracted their illness, their emotional and spiritual responses to the diagnosis, coping strategies, and attitudes toward available treatments. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common patterns and culturally-rooted beliefs. It is expected that findings will reveal the influence of faith, culture, and regional identity on illness interpretation and coping behaviors. Results may inform nursing practice by enhancing cultural sensitivity, improving communication strategies, and implementing more individualized care for patients in Appalachian communities.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 10:00 AM
Room Number
272
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Research-in-Progress
Presentation Category
Health
Faculty Mentor
Todt Kendrea
Beliefs and Coping Related to Terminal and Chronic Illness Diagnoses Among Adults in Appalachia
272
Beliefs about illness causation and prognosis play a significant role in how individuals understand diagnoses, cope with disease, and engage in treatment decisions. In the Appalachian region, cultural and faith-based beliefs are often expressed through fatalistic language such as “It must be God’s will” or “This was the Lord’s plan,” particularly in response to serious health conditions. The objective of this research-in-progress project is to explore beliefs related to terminal and chronic illness diagnoses among adults living in Appalachia and to understand how these beliefs influence coping mechanisms and perceptions of treatment options. The guiding research question is: How do adults in Appalachia interpret terminal and chronic illness diagnoses, and what beliefs shape their coping responses and views on treatment? This study seeks to address a gap in nursing knowledge regarding culturally influenced fatalism and its implications for patient-centered care in Appalachian populations. This qualitative study is currently in the planning phase and will involve semi-structured interviews with adults diagnosed with terminal illnesses, such as cancer, and chronic illnesses, such as diabetes. Participants will be recruited from the Appalachian region following Institutional Review Board approval. Interviews will explore participants’ beliefs about why they contracted their illness, their emotional and spiritual responses to the diagnosis, coping strategies, and attitudes toward available treatments. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis to identify common patterns and culturally-rooted beliefs. It is expected that findings will reveal the influence of faith, culture, and regional identity on illness interpretation and coping behaviors. Results may inform nursing practice by enhancing cultural sensitivity, improving communication strategies, and implementing more individualized care for patients in Appalachian communities.
