Culture Beliefs&

Religion

How do these impact

healthcare professionals?

Cultural Beliefs

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

South African

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

Asian

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

European

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

Hispanic

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

Middle Eastern

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

Native Americans

Religions

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)

Spirituality vs. Religion

Atheist – Person

who does not believe in any deity

Agnostic – Person who believes that the existence of God cannot be proved or disproved

Atheist vs. Agnostic

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

Religions that impact healthcare

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.

How to respect a pt’s religion