The Effects of Religious Beliefs on the Health Care Practices of the Amish

Abstract

The religious and cultural beliefs of the Amish result in many health care beliefs and practices which are significantly different from the dominant American culture. For example, the Amish are excluded from social security and health insurance coverage; they have different perceptions of health and illness; they do not practice birth control; they often lack the preventive practices of immunizations and prenatal care; and they may use a variety of traditional and nontraditional health care providers. Only by understanding the religiocultural belief system of this minority religious sect can nurse practitioners effectively meet the health care needs of their Amish patients.