USE OF ETHNONURSING METHODOLOGY IN HEALTH RESEARCH: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Developments in the field of health research have brought to light the need for ethical practices that respect the context, experiences, and health determinants of research participants, strengthening the validity and relevance of scientific findings. Madeleine M. Leininger introduced the Theory of Diversity and Universality of Cultural Care (TDUCC), which recognizes that individuals' worldview and social and cultural structures influence their state of health and well-being. This theory proposes that care should be culturally congruent, considering the patient's cultural situation and using this understanding to plan and execute care interventions. OBJECTIVE: To map the use of the Ethnonursing Theory in health research in the literature. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative review of the literature following the methodological assumptions of Leininger in his Theory of Ethnonursing. The search was developed in the MEDLINE and BDENF databases, using the ethnonursing descriptor. RESULTS: 29 articles were included in the search, 28 in English, 7 in Portuguese and 2 in Spanish. DISCUSSION: The method established by Leininger's Theory relates social differences and transculturality to nursing practice, which is reflected in care and strengthened interpersonal relationships, the principle of respect for cultural diversity, since getting closer to culture allows nursing actions to be planned together with the being cared for and to be culturally congruent (Seima,  2011). CONCLUSION: The use of the theory has allowed a deeper understanding of cultural care practices, standing out for its ability to capture the nuances of beliefs and health practices of different communities. This is essential for the development of culturally congruent interventions that respect cultural specificities and promote more inclusive and effective care.