Parental Views of Children’s Healthcare in an Old Order Mennonite Community
Abstract
This mixed-methods study examined pediatric healthcare beliefs, practices, and perceived barriers among Old Order Mennonite (OOM) families in southcentral Kentucky. Parents described their children as generally healthy while emphasizing the use of home remedies and community-based care as the primary approach to managing childhood illnesses and injuries. Modern pediatric medical care was typically sought only when conditions were perceived as severe or beyond the scope of home management. When accessed, experiences with modern care were largely viewed positively, particularly for emergency and specialized services. Decisions about seeking care were shaped by cultural values, financial considerations related to self-pay status, and logistical challenges associated with rural access. Parents emphasized the importance of respectful communication, shared decision-making, and recognition of traditional practices when engaging with healthcare providers. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive, community-informed approaches to pediatric care that acknowledge both rural barriers and the cultural contexts influencing healthcare decision-making within OOM communities.
Keywords: Old Order Mennonite, pediatric, healthcare
How to Cite:
West, A. M., Link, K. A. & Jones, M. S., (2026) “Parental Views of Children’s Healthcare in an Old Order Mennonite Community”, The Journal of Plain Anabaptist Communities 6(2), 54-67. doi: https://doi.org/10.18061/jpac.6639
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