People of Egyptian Heritage. People of Filipino Heritage. Read chapter 28 in Davis Plus Online Website. Once done, write an essay discussing the health beliefs of both heritages and if there is any similarity in both culture beliefs. Also, discuss how their beliefs influence the delivery of evidence-based healthcare focusing on the nursing care.
Health beliefs play a significant role in how individuals perceive and approach their overall well-being, as well as how they seek healthcare services. Cultural heritage can greatly influence these health beliefs, shaping individuals’ attitudes towards illness, treatment, and healthcare providers. This essay aims to examine the health beliefs of people of Egyptian and Filipino heritage, exploring any similarities in their cultural beliefs and discussing the impact of these beliefs on the delivery of evidence-based healthcare, with a focus on nursing care.
The Egyptian culture has a long history dating back several millennia, known for its ancient civilization and contributions to various fields, including medicine. Traditional Egyptian health beliefs are often influenced by ancient Egyptian practices and customs, including spiritual and supernatural aspects, combined with elements of Islam, the dominant religion in the country.
Egyptians commonly perceive health and illness as a balanced state between physical, psychological, and spiritual elements. They believe that illness can be caused by an imbalance between these aspects and external factors such as evil spirits or the “evil eye.” This belief in the supernatural may lead some individuals to seek magical or spiritual remedies, in addition to medical interventions. Islam also plays a significant role in Egyptian health beliefs, as individuals often turn to the Quran and prayer for healing and protection from illness.
Similar to Egyptians, Filipinos also have a strong sense of spirituality woven into their health beliefs. Their beliefs are influenced by a combination of pre-colonial indigenous practices, Catholicism introduced by Spanish colonizers, and various traditional healing methods.
Filipino health beliefs are often rooted in the concept of “balance” and “imbalance” in the body. They believe that imbalances can lead to illness and that harmony in the body can be restored through various means. This belief is known as “usog” and is thought to be caused by a negative energy transfer between individuals. To counteract this, traditional healers may perform rituals or “tawas” to remove the negative energy and restore balance.
Catholicism also plays a significant role in Filipino health beliefs, with individuals often turning to prayers, religious icons, and rituals for healing and protection. The concept of “blessing” is prevalent, where individuals seek the blessings of priests or religious figures to combat illness and ensure good health.
Despite the differences in their cultural backgrounds, people of Egyptian and Filipino heritage share some common health beliefs. Both cultures place emphasis on the spiritual and supernatural aspects of health and illness. They believe that physical health is interconnected with psychological and spiritual well-being, and that seeking remedies beyond traditional medicine, such as magical or spiritual interventions, can be beneficial.
Furthermore, both cultures have a strong reliance on prayer and religious rituals for healing and protection. The use of religious practices, such as reciting prayers or seeking the blessings of religious leaders, is seen as an important aspect of healthcare and is integrated into their overall approach to well-being.
Understanding these health beliefs is essential for healthcare providers, particularly nurses, to deliver evidence-based care effectively. Nurses must acknowledge and respect these cultural beliefs while ensuring that evidence-based interventions are provided.