Describe the health beliefs of the African American and Amish people and how they are differ. Mention the difference between the African American and the Amish communities regarding health care. If there any similarity between the African American and the Amish population. APA format and a minimum of 500 words are required. 3 evidence based references.
Title: Health Beliefs and Healthcare Practices among African American and Amish Communities
Introduction:
Cultural beliefs and practices play a significant role in shaping an individual’s health beliefs and healthcare-seeking behaviors. The African American and Amish communities are two distinct groups with unique cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and healthcare practices. This paper aims to explore and compare the health beliefs and healthcare approaches of these two populations, highlighting their differences, similarities, and implications for care.
Health Beliefs: African American Population
The health beliefs of African Americans are influenced by a rich cultural heritage that stems from African, European, and American roots. Historically, health beliefs have been shaped by experiences of slavery, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare, leading to a focus on self-reliance, spirituality, and holistic healing practices (Wagner, McIntyre-Seltman, & Harris, 2019). Spirituality and religious beliefs often play a central role in health and well-being, with an emphasis on divine intervention and the power of prayer in healing. This belief system contributes to the importance of churches in the African American community as sources of social support and health promotion.
African Americans may also hold traditional health beliefs rooted in their African ancestry, such as the concept of balance and harmony. This understanding recognizes that imbalance in physical, mental, spiritual, and social aspects can lead to illness, and thus, healing involves restoring equilibrium in these domains (Wong et al., 2018). Traditional healing practices, including herbal remedies, spiritual cleansings, and cultural rituals, may also be sought alongside or in place of conventional medicine.
Health Beliefs: Amish Population
The Amish community, known for their adherence to traditional lifestyles and religious beliefs, also holds distinct health beliefs. Amish beliefs are shaped by the teachings of the Anabaptist faith, which emphasizes simplicity, humility, and separation from the modern world. Amish health beliefs often revolve around maintaining a strong sense of community, stewardship of the body as a gift from God, and reliance on natural remedies (Amey, 2016).
Amish communities believe in the concept of “Gelassenheit,” which translates to submission, yielding, and humility. This belief fosters a reluctance to challenge God’s will and a general acceptance of suffering and pain as part of their spiritual journey (Buechner, 2018). Consequently, there is often a preference for natural healing methods, including dietary restrictions, home remedies, and reliance on traditional “folk medicine” passed down through generations.
Differences in Healthcare Approaches: African American and Amish Populations
Despite differences in their health beliefs, the African American and Amish populations share common challenges in accessing and utilizing healthcare. Discrimination, cultural barriers, and limited financial resources often result in inadequate access to quality healthcare services. However, there are notable distinctions in how these communities navigate the healthcare system.
Within the African American community, historical mistrust stemming from experiences of racism and medical exploitation has contributed to a hesitancy to seek medical care and participate in research (Wagner et al., 2019). Consequently, healthcare decisions may be influenced by personal experiences, peer recommendations, and a desire to maintain control over their health and bodies. Additionally, socioeconomic factors, such as lack of health insurance and transportation barriers, further limit access to healthcare services, leading to disparities in health outcomes (Williams et al., 2018).
Contrarily, the Amish community’s healthcare approach is characterized by a reliance on self-sufficiency and community support. The tight-knit nature of their community fosters a sense of collective responsibility for healthcare, where financial contributions are pooled together to cover medical expenses (Amey, 2016). In some cases, informal community healthcare providers, known as “Schwartz,” serve as mediators between the Amish and the external healthcare system, facilitating the provision of care while ensuring adherence to Amish cultural norms and values.
Similarities between African American and Amish Populations
Despite their distinct cultural backgrounds, African American and Amish communities exhibit some similarities in health beliefs and healthcare practices. Both populations place an emphasis on faith, spirituality, and community as important sources of social support and healing. Churches and religious institutions play an integral role in promoting health, disseminating health information, and providing a sense of belonging and emotional support.
Moreover, both communities may resort to traditional healing practices and home remedies, either complementary or alternative to conventional medicine. This reliance on traditional healing methods may be influenced by cultural beliefs, limited access to healthcare services, or a preference for self-treatment.
Conclusion:
The African American and Amish communities have unique health beliefs and healthcare practices, shaped by their cultural heritage and religious traditions. Understanding these beliefs and practices is crucial for providing effective and culturally sensitive healthcare for these populations. Healthcare providers should approach these communities with respect, sensitivity, and awareness of the diverse beliefs and practices that influence their health decisions and care-seeking behaviors. Efforts should be made to bridge the gap between these communities and the healthcare system, addressing barriers and promoting equitable access to healthcare services.