1. Culture Beliefs & Religion
How do these impact healthcare professionals?

2. Cultural Beliefs

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Religions

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.