Analyzed how culture influences the beliefs and behaviors of the childbearing woman and her family during pregnancy.During an outpatient contraception teaching session for a diaphragm, Sita, a Hindu woman states that she cannot use her left hand for handling the clean device. What are the health beliefs that underpin Sita’s hesitation and why? How can the nurse offer support to Sita’s based on Leininger’s theory?
Culture plays a significant role in shaping the beliefs and behaviors of individuals, particularly during significant life events such as pregnancy. When discussing the influence of culture on the beliefs and behaviors of a childbearing woman and her family during pregnancy, it is essential to consider a variety of cultural factors, including religious beliefs, traditional practices, and social norms.
In this scenario, Sita, a Hindu woman, expresses her reluctance to handle the diaphragm with her left hand during the contraception teaching session. To understand the health beliefs that underpin Sita’s hesitation, it is crucial to consider the cultural and religious context of Hinduism. Hinduism is a complex religion with rich traditions and practices that greatly influence the daily lives of its adherents.
In Hinduism, the left hand is considered impure and is generally associated with unclean tasks, such as toileting or cleaning oneself after using the restroom. This belief stems from the Hindu concept of purity and pollution, which assigns different levels of purity to different body parts and tasks. In this context, handling a medical device such as a diaphragm with the left hand may be perceived as unclean or impure.
Additionally, Hinduism places a strong emphasis on bodily purity and cleanliness. It is believed that maintaining bodily purity is crucial for spiritual well-being and positive karma. Therefore, Sita’s hesitation may also stem from her desire to maintain her personal bodily purity by avoiding any potential contact with impurity or contamination.
To offer support to Sita based on Leininger’s theory, the nurse should consider the concepts of cultural congruence and providing culturally sensitive care. Leininger’s theory of cultural care diversity and universality emphasizes the importance of providing care that is congruent with the values, beliefs, and practices of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
To support Sita, the nurse can start by acknowledging and respecting her cultural beliefs and values regarding the use of her left hand. The nurse can explain that she understands the significance of the left hand in Hindu culture and the importance of maintaining bodily purity. By demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity, the nurse can create a trusting and supportive environment for Sita.
Furthermore, the nurse can explore alternative methods of handling the diaphragm that align with Sita’s cultural beliefs. For example, the nurse can suggest using a clean cloth or tissue as a barrier between the diaphragm and Sita’s hand, allowing her to handle it without direct contact.
Additionally, the nurse can provide educational materials and resources that incorporate culturally relevant information and explanations. By providing information that is tailored to Sita’s cultural background, the nurse can help her understand the importance of contraception while also addressing her concerns related to cultural and religious beliefs.
In conclusion, culture has a significant influence on the beliefs and behaviors of childbearing women and their families during pregnancy. In the case of Sita, her hesitation to handle the diaphragm with her left hand is rooted in her Hindu cultural beliefs and practices regarding purity and pollution. To support Sita, the nurse should demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity, acknowledging and respecting her cultural beliefs. The nurse can also explore alternative methods of handling the diaphragm that align with Sita’s cultural beliefs and provide culturally relevant educational materials to address her concerns.