A Summary of the Health Experiences of a Global Missionary Group: 1920's to the 1970's Öffentlichkeit
Saunders, Kylie McCann (2015)
Published
Abstract
Background: Few data exist describing the physical and mental health risks that long-term missionaries face while serving abroad. This study describes the health experiences of a group of missionaries serving overseas between 1928-1977. Data from the 1920's to 1970's were studied in order to provide historical context of the health experiences and conditions encountered by missionaries serving overseas.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using secondary data from a global missionary organization. Missionaries from the 1920's to 1970's were chosen for the study due to the large collection of patient files that the organization had on record. A convenience sample of these records was taken and data were extracted from these historical medical records and then analyzed.
Results: Among the 221 missionaries examined in the study, 961 infectious disease illnesses were noted. Systemic (39%) and gastrointestinal infections (21%) were most prevalent. Records showed that 84 (38%) of the missionaries experienced mental health issues during their service abroad, including fatigue, depression, sleeplessness, nervous breakdowns, etc. Additional analysis revealed that 31 (14%) missionaries returned home on furlough for health reasons, ranging from chronic conditions to mental health problems.
Conclusion: This study shows that an array of infectious diseases and emotional strains were encountered by missionaries during their service abroad from the 1920's-1970's. Infectious disease prevention and a need to recognize and address mental health issues remain important for international missionaries. This work can help practitioners and missionary organizations re-examine their prevention materials, education efforts, and awareness related to missions and other longer-term traveler.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION. 1
Introduction. 1
Problem Statement. 1
Purpose. 2
Significance. 3
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW. 4
Missionary Background. 4
Short-term versus Long-term Travel. 6
Infectious Diseases in Missionaries. 6
Mental Health in Missionaries. 7
Prevention Efforts for Missionaries. 8
Significance. 9
CHAPTER 3: MANUSCRIPT. 9
Title Page for Manuscript. 10
Abstract. 11
Introduction. 12
Methods. 13
Results. 14
Conclusion. 16
References. 22
Tables. 26
Table 1: Demographic data for missionaries serving abroad, 1928-1977. 26
Table 2: Number of reported illnesses by region among missionaries serving abroad, 1928-1977. 27
Table 3: Number of reported mental health issues among missionaries serving abroad, 1928-1977. 28
Table 4: Details of missionaries returning home due to health-related furloughs while serving abroad, 1928-1977. 29
Table 5: Political issues encountered by missionaries serving abroad, 1928-1977. 30
Figures. 31
Figure 1: Number of reported infectious diseases by body system affected among missionaries serving abroad, 1940's-1960's. 31
Figure 2: Number of reported vaccine preventable diseases among missionaries serving abroad, 1940's-1960's. 32
CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS. 33
Summary of Findings. 33
Implications and Recommendations. 39
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