title: Health-related research among Amish women: a review of findings.
abstract: The objective of this literature review is to explore and synthesize research related to Amish women's health issues. Literature searches were conducted on an extensive list of Internet-based databases, with a total of 767 articles identified. Inclusion criteria consisted of published, gender-based, and evidence-based research. The research reviewed covered a broad spectrum of health-related topics, and nearly all authors cited cultural factors as an explanation for the differences in Amish and non-Amish populations. However, the lack of evidence-based research and diversity of the topics prevented clear patterns of health-related issues to be discussed. Many researchers made broad-sweeping generalizations about the Amish, which can perpetuate the stereotypes and myths associated with their way of life. It is imperative that more evidence-based research be conducted to determine the cultural aspects and other factors that may influence health in this population.
authors.affiliation: Community Outreach, Grant/Riverside Methodist Hospitals, 3726A Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43214, USA. thomam3@ohiohealth.com
authors.forename: Melissa K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Usha
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Menon
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Ferguson
authors.forename: Margaret A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Hiermer
mesh_terms: D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D006304:Health Status; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008603:Mental Health; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012424:Rural Population; D013240:Stereotyping; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D016387:Women's Health