"Health Gatekeepers": The Influence of Women on Health Practices in Rural, Central Appalachia

Women have historically assumed leadership roles in familial and community health promotion, intervention, and facilitation. While the role of women in family health is globally understood and the historical importance of female leadership has been documented, there remains a gap in knowledge regarding the role of women as “health gatekeepers”. Furthermore, when considering the Appalachian region, there are limited studies regarding women’s place in leadership as far as health is concerned. Therefore, this study employs a hermeneutic phenomenological framework to explore the lived experiences of women in relation to their family and community’s health in rural, Central Appalachia- a region that experiences intense health concerns and economic distress. Interviews were conducted with women throughout this region and then thematically coded to establish common themes defining the way in which women from this region engage with their communities and families in relation to health. Findings indicated that women serve as “health gatekeepers” for their families and communities, and that this cultural characteristic has impact on health practices in Central Appalachia. Women in this region are also sensitive to their communities’ health issues and believe that a positive, family-centric approach to healthcare is the most impactful for their counties. These findings will be critical for future public policies and public health interventions implemented in this region.