Religion and Culture in Nursing Practice

Question: Is health merely the absence of disease, or is it more complex and comprehensive? Answer: Introduction Every being desires to be in good health as it influences how one feels, participates, and functions in society. The concepts of illness and health goes beyond any one perception and can be challenging to measure and define. The two encompass a broad variety of events and experiences and interpreting them may be in reference to social context and norms. That said, illness and health concepts can be interpreted differently by diverse societies, groups, and individuals The WHO definition of health is broadly accepted as it encourages a health concept that is holistic. WHO defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity(WHO, 1946).The definition includes social and mental dimensions and shifts away from focusing on dysfunction and physical abilities only. This broad perception of functioning and health has been incorporated by Australias health 2014 both to include other dimensions such as environmental, socio-economic, cultural, genetic mental , and physical dimensions. The concepts that form the basis of this perception include: the well being of a person is dependent on health which impacts how they function and feel; economic and social well being are influenced by health; health goes beyond the absence of injury or disease and also that good health is experienced at different degrees; health management includes the ability to identify risks and manage them, promotio n of good health, and prevention of diseases; development of disease process can take a period of several years prior to manifesting through symptoms. Hence according to AIHW(2010), a disease is a mental or physical disturbance that involves tissue damage, dysfunction, or symptoms while sickness/illness is a concept that is more subjective and which is related to one's individual disease. Religion and Cultural Factors A person's culture and religion play a significant role in affecting one's view of health(Koenig, 2012; Eckersley, 2007). Society is rich in diverse ethnicities, religions, and cultures. As a registered nurse, one needs to have a knowledge base that is culturally diverse in order to provide patient-centered, individualized care. In addition, a nurse needs to have an understanding of the rationale that supports those beliefs as they can have an impact on the overall care plan of the patient. The goal of increasing one's knowledge base on religious and cultural diversity is to minimize the likelihood of poor patient outcomes, increase the patient's overall satisfaction, as well as improve the quality of care while utilizing the best of practices (Wilson, Lee, Cordero et al., 2008). Determining What the Patient Prefers Religious Preferences The first step to holistic and relevant patient care starts during the admission process where the nurse should ask the patient about their religious preferences. This information should be incorporated into the patient's care plan where applicable. On the other hand, a nurse should not make assumptions with regard to the information that he/she receives on patient's preferences. There are those patients that will adhere strictly with their religious beliefs while yet others have a modified belief of their religion. The nurse should wait for an opportune time when the patient is alone and away from friends and family members to inquire on their religious preferences. By so doing, the patient will not feel unduly influenced or coerced by possible opposition from friends or family. For example, a Buddhist patient may refuse to have analgesics administered as a clear mind is a critical component in Buddhism. Such a patient will often prefer pain management interventions that are non-pharmacological such as relaxation and meditation. A Buddhist will emphasize on peaceful meditation and mindfulness during times of crisis or sickness. In such a case, a nurse should try to provide a setting of tranquility and quietness. A Jewish patient will observe the Sabbath which commences on Friday sundown and ends on Saturday sundown. A nurse will need to avoid as much as possible, scheduling any medical procedures or discharging the patient on a Sabbath(Ehman, 2012) Cultural Preferences The level at which the patient believes that health information is culturally relevant has significant effect on their willingness to utilize it. Patient compliance is greatly impacted by cultural issues (Saha, Beach, Cooper, 2008). An example is with reference to the cultural beliefs of Pacific Islanders and Asians which nurses need to familiarize themselves with. In this example, the extended family has a significant role that they play and more so the eldest male who is the family spokesperson and key decision maker. The family honor and interests surpass those of an individual. The older family members are accorded respect and unquestionable authority. With the Asian communities on the other hand, harmony is highly valued and direct confrontation and conflict are avoided at all costs. Because of respect for persons in authority, recommendations made by healthcare professionals will not be met with any opposition. However, agreeing with the decisions made by the healthcare professional does not necessarily lead to compliance to the treatment recommendations. Indigenous communities also believe in family value and the role of the spiritual supernatural beings in their health. Their belief is that an individual enjoys good health when they are in complete harmony and are one with nature. Illness is as a result of this balance and harmony being tipped and often a Shaman will be consulted to help the sick individual to realign himself/herself with supernatural forces and nature (ShihYu, 2013; Wooksoo Keefe, 2010). Conclusion For effective care delivery, it is paramount for a nurse to widen his/her scope of knowledge in different cultures and religions. The nurse should research on the patient's religious and cultural beliefs that would impact the acceptance and compliance to care services that the patient receives. Close attention should be given to the patient's body language, expressions of anxiety, lack of response or any other signals that could indicate conflict but are hesitant to speak up. The nurse should ask the patient open ended questions to clarify on any expectations and void any assumptions. By so doing, the nurse will get accurate information on what would enhance the patient's experience and would result in better health outcomes. References AIHW (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) 2010.Australia's health 2010. Cat no. AUS 122. Canberra: AIHW. Eckersley, R. (2007) Culture, spirituality, religion and health: looking at the big picture. Med J Aust 186 (10 Suppl): S54. Ehman, J. (2012) Religious Diversity:Practical Points for Health Care Providers. Penn State University. Available at: https://www.uphs.upenn.edu/pastoral/resed/diversity_points.html Koenig HG. Religion, spirituality, and health: the research and clinical implications.ISRN Psychiatry.2012;2012:278730 Saha, S., Beach, M. C., Cooper, L. A. (2008). Patient Centeredness, Cultural Competence and Healthcare Quality.Journal of the National Medical Association,100(11), 12751285. ShihYu, S. (2013) Providing Culturally Competent Mental Health Care to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Asian-American and Pacific-Island Nurses,Magazine https://minoritynurse.com/providing-culturally-competent-mental-health-care-to-asian-americans-and-pacific-islanders/ WHO (World Health Organization) 1946. Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health conference, New York, 1922 June, 1946. New York: WHO. Wilson-Stronks A, Lee KK, Cordero CL, Kopp AL, Galvez E. (2008). One Size Does Not Fit All: Meeting The Health Care Needs of Diverse Populations. 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