Kentucky Anabaptists' Knowledge of Newborn Screening

Authors

  • Melissa K. Travelsted School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0533-3133
  • M. Eve Main School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University
  • M. Susan Jones School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18061/jpac.v2i2.8672

Keywords:

newborn screening, Amish, Mennonite, Anabaptist, genetic disorders

Abstract

The Plain Anabaptist population in Kentucky is growing, with the Amish population alone expected to double about every 20 years. Anabaptists in Kentucky are largely composed of Amish (both Old Order and New Order) and Old Order and Conservative Mennonites. All Anabaptists experience an increased incidence of recessive genetic disorders. Newborn screening (NBS) is a state-regulated program that identifies inherited and congenital disorders and conditions. The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge of Kentucky Amish and Mennonite communities regarding NBS. A researcher-adapted questionnaire was mailed to Kentucky Amish and Mennonite households, and 292 respondents returned the questionnaire. The majority (85.2%) reported at least "a little" knowledge of NBS; however, only 6.8% reported "a lot" of knowledge. Respondents identified the midwife as the most common source of information related to NBS; however, 18% reported NBS was not offered by any provider. There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge of NBS and children receiving NBS, indicating that knowledge of NBS increased participation in NBS. As the midwife is the most common source of NBS knowledge, an educational program for midwives as well as the Anabaptist communities throughout Kentucky is planned.

Author Biographies

Melissa K. Travelsted, School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University

Dr. Travelsted is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing and Allied Health at Western Kentucky University. She earned an Associate Degree in Nursing (2004), Bachelor Degree in Nursing (2006), Master of Science in Nursing (2008), and Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (2014) from Western Kentucky University. She also earned an Associate Degree in Physical Therapy (1994) from the University of Kentucky.

 

M. Eve Main, School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University

Eve Main is a Professor in the School of Nursing at WKU. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1984 from WKU, her Master of Science in Nursing

M. Susan Jones, School of Nursing and Allied Health, Western Kentucky University

Dr. M. Susan Jones, PhD, RN, is a Professor Emerita in the School of Nursing and Allied Health at Western Kentucky University (WKU). She earned her BSN from the University of Tennessee in Memphis, MSN from Vanderbilt University, and a PhD from the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Jones holds certification as a nursing educator (CNE) and is a fellow in the National League for Nursing-Academy of Nursing Education. The focus of her research and practice is health promotion of rural populations including Anabaptists and their communities.

Cover image for The Journal of Plain Anabaptist Communities Volume 2, Number 2

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Published

2022-04-13

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2022): Winter 2022

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2022 Melissa K. Travelsted, M. Eve Main, M. Susan Jones

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