The labyrinth of health as perceived by two groups of community nurses

The purpose of this research was to examine a group of 16 health visitors and a group of 16 community mental health nurses perceptions of health and health awareness. The study was mainly qualitative and exploratory in nature with some quantitative data being collected to condense the data. All 32 respondents were interviewed using a semistructured, tape recorded format. The content of the data was scrutinized and emerging patterns, themes, and concepts were noted and coded using a tried and tested theoretical process. The findings were related to the questions asked and comparisons were drawn between the information received from each group. An examination of the data revealed that the group of health visitors defined health terms of 'functional' states, described health in physical terms, and practiced physical exercises as their health valuing behaviours in order to keep themselves healthy. This key theme also emerged with reference to their value of health at family and global levels. Taking their health for granted and being grateful for it when they saw someone in the community less well off than themselves was also highlighted as a major theme. The group of community mental health nurses defined their health in 'being' states and described health in a holistic manner. They perceived the value and concept of 'freedom' to be related to and embraced within the concept, definition and value of health at individual, family and global levels. They practiced aesthetic health valuing behaviours to enhance their appreciation of health and self. Mental health, the ability to make choices, being self actualizing and the capacity to love and be loved were the key themes emerging throughout this group's responses. It would be interesting to develop this research from a community health perspective.