End of Life Customs among Immigrants from Eritrea

Abstract

Eritrean immigrants bring expectations and resources to meet the challenge of illness and death. This study, undertaken in cooperation with the Cross Cultural Health Care Program of Seattle, sought to learn about both the expectations and the resources. A literature search demonstrated that although Eritreans have much in common with Ethiopians, they must be seen as a separate people. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 2 Eritrean immigrants. Resulting tape transcriptions were studied to identify themes and values. Values included the importance of respect, the centrality of faith and of family, the use of herbs and home remedies, and the importance of visiting. Implications for health care within institutional and community settings were derived from these values with the help of Madeleine Leininger’s culture care theory.

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