Rural Elderly Caregivers: Exploring Folk Home Remedy Use and Health Promotion Activities

Abstract

This exploratory study examined folk home remedy behavior and engagement in health promotion activities in rural elderly caregivers. Data was obtained with a self-report questionnaire, from a probability sample of 80 caregivers (age range = 65-84 years). Results indicated that caregivers were very involved in health promotion activities, except for exercise. Participants had high rates of folk home remedy use. Emotional health was a significant positive predictor of engagement in health promotion activities and an important factor for a healthy lifestyle in the rural, elderly caregiver. The high frequency of folk home remedy use indicates that nursing assessments should include questions about the use of folk home remedies as a measure of health promotion.