Women's health and the practice of public health nurses in northern British Columbia.

Abstract

This study explored women's health and the practice of public health nurses in northern British Columbia using a phenomenological methodology. Ten public health nurses in northern British Columbia were interviewed to determine their perspectives on their practice in the area of women's health. Findings reveal three central themes: women's health, public health nursing practice, and rural context. Several subthemes elaborate on the central themes. Women's health is described in terms of women's health needs, how women stay healthy in northern communities, and conditions that affect women's health. Public health nursing practice is described in terms of activities, strengths, conditions, and ways to strengthen practice. Definitions of rural context are provided and some of the benefits and challenges of living and working in northern communities are presented. Health promotion and illness and injury prevention needs of women are clearly evident in the findings. Public health nurses are well placed in the North to help women meet their health care needs. However, further attention to women's health needs and the expansion of public health nursing services would facilitate improved health for women who live in isolated northern settings. In addition, further research is needed to explicate women's health and public health nursing practice in isolated northern settings in Canada.