Understanding Satisfaction with Shamanic Practices among the Hmong in Rural California
Author(s):
Pinzon-perez, Helda; Moua, Neng; Perez, Miguel A.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
International Electronic Journal Of Health Education, Volume 8, (2005). pp. 18-23.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The Hmong are a group of people from Southern China, Laos, Northern Vietnam, and Thailand who have immigrated to the US and who have settled in rural counties in Central California. The literature suggests, the Hmong routinely use the services of shamans as part of their health care services. The purpose of this study was to determine the difference in the levels of satisfaction among Hmong clients who use shamans and their services in Fresno County with regard to factors associated with animal sacrifice, gender of the shaman and the practices inside or outside of the client's home. Data were collected from 115 study participants in a rural California county. Findings from this study suggest that clients who had shamans conduct the rituals at their own homes and those who used live animals were significantly more satisfied than those had to travel to meet the shaman and those whose shamans' use dead animals. There were no significant differences in clients' satisfaction by the gender of the shaman. (Contains 1 table.) [Abstract provided in both English and Spanish.]