Culture Beliefs & Religion How do these impact healthcare professionals?

Cultural Beliefs

South African Harmony of body, mind, & spirit Illness prevented by diet, rest, & cleanliness Cause of Illness: Spirits, demons, or punishment from God Tx: Prayer or religious rituals Tolerating pain is a sign of strength

Asian Health: Balance of yin & yang Cause of Illness: unhealthy environment, supernatural forces, imbalance b/t yin & yang Tx: Herbal remedies, acupuncture Believe pain must be endured silently No direct eye contact or touching

European Similar to US beliefs Believe diet, rest, exercise, immunizations, and preventive medicine is key. Cause of illness: Germs, pollutants, lack of cleanliness – some believe punishment from sins Tx: Meds, surgery, diet, exercise

Hispanic Health is a reward from God & good luck Cause of illness: imbalance b/t hot and cold Tx: heat & cold remedies to restore balance, prayers, massage

Middle Eastern Health is spiritual, cleanliness essential Males dominate and make decisions on health care Spiritual causes of illness, evil eye (evil spirits) Tolerating pain is a sign of strength

Native Americans Health is harmony with nature Illness caused by supernatural forces & evil spirits Healer: medicine man Tolerance of pain signifies strength and power Nuclear Families are most common

Religions

Spirituality vs. Religion Spirituality –beliefs people have about themselves, connections with others, & their relationship with a higher power. Religion – organized system of belief in a higher power (ex: Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism)

Atheist vs. Agnostic Atheist – Person who does not believe in any deity Agnostic – Person who believes that the existence of God cannot be proved or disproved

Religions that impact healthcare Christianity - believe life begins at conception (no abortion) -many different variations -MD is “Gods instrument for intervention” Buddhism – Illness is negative karma – believe in Buddha -reincarnation Hinduism – reincarnation as humans, animals, & plants

Religions that impact healthcare Jehovah’s Witness – no last rites – autopsy only if required but don’t remove body parts – no blood products – no holidays Catholic – abortions & contraceptives prohibited Seventh Day Adventist – Sabbath worship is sunset Fri to Sunset Saturday Judaism – Circumcision on 8th day by dad, mohel or Jewish MD

How to respect a pt’s religion The nurse might want to ask: Do you have a religious affiliation? Do you normally pray at certain times of the day? Do you consult a religious healer? Do your beliefs restrict any specific food or drink? Also important…. Respect religious symbols/books Allow privacy during clergy visits Refrain from imposing your beliefs.