Please, read chapter 13 and 28 of the class textbook. Once done answer the following question. Describe the cultural health customs of the Egyptian and Filipino cultures and how they influence the delivery community health care. As stated in the syllabus present your assignment in an APA format on an Arial 12 font word document. A minimum of 2 evidence based practice references within the last 5 years are required. A minimum of 500 words are required. Due date: October 7, 2017 Saturday
Introduction
Cultural health customs play a significant role in shaping the delivery of community healthcare. Understanding the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of different cultures is crucial for healthcare providers to provide culturally sensitive and competent care. This paper examines the cultural health customs of the Egyptian and Filipino cultures and their impact on the delivery of community healthcare.
Egyptian Culture
Egyptian culture is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and religious beliefs. Health customs in Egypt are heavily influenced by these cultural values. Many Egyptians believe in the importance of maintaining a proper balance between the body, mind, and spirit for good health and well-being (Cohassett, 2015). Egyptians often seek healing through a combination of traditional and modern medicine practices.
One important health custom in Egyptian culture is the use of herbal remedies. Medicinal plants, such as chamomile, mint, and hibiscus, are commonly used in Egypt for treating various ailments. Egyptians believe in the natural healing properties of these plants and often prefer them over pharmaceutical medications (Bedair, Eladwy, Meshery, & El-Shafei, 2015). Healthcare providers should be aware of these preferences and respect the choices of Egyptian patients when it comes to treatment options.
Another cultural health custom in Egypt is the practice of traditional Arabic medicine, also known as Unani medicine. This system of medicine incorporates the use of herbs, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes to promote holistic healing (El-Kamali, 2016). Many Egyptians still rely on Unani medicine for their healthcare needs, especially in rural areas where access to modern healthcare facilities is limited. Healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about Unani medicine to effectively communicate and collaborate with Egyptian patients.
Religion also plays a significant role in Egyptian health customs. Islam, the predominant religion in Egypt, emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and hygiene as part of religious practice (Shaaban, 2017). As a result, Egyptians take hygiene seriously and often clean their bodies, homes, and surroundings meticulously. Healthcare providers should be mindful of these cultural practices and promote hygiene as an integral part of healthcare delivery.
Filipino Culture
The Filipino culture is characterized by strong family ties, deep religious beliefs, and a communal way of life. Health customs in the Filipino culture are heavily influenced by these cultural values. The concept of “kapwa” or shared identity is central to Filipino culture, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within the community (Belonio, 2015). This belief informs the delivery of community healthcare in the Filipino culture.
Filipinos have a strong reliance on familial support during times of illness or health-related challenges. Family members play an active role in caregiving and decision-making regarding healthcare (Penalba, 2018). Healthcare providers should involve family members in the care process and respect their opinions and beliefs. This approach ensures a more holistic and patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery.
Religion is an essential aspect of Filipino culture, with the majority of Filipinos being Roman Catholics. Spirituality plays a significant role in health customs, as many Filipinos turn to prayer and religious rituals for healing and guidance (Bavaresco, 2016). Healthcare providers should be sensitive to these religious beliefs and provide opportunities for spiritual support and guidance during healthcare encounters.
Traditional healing practices also have a place in Filipino health customs. Traditional healers, known as “albularyo” or “hilot,” use natural remedies, massage, and prayers to promote healing (Guerrero et al., 2015). Many Filipinos still seek their services, believing in the spiritual and natural healing powers they possess. Healthcare providers should acknowledge and respect these practices, working collaboratively with traditional healers to provide culturally competent care.
Influences on Community Healthcare Delivery
The cultural health customs of the Egyptian and Filipino cultures have significant implications for the delivery of community healthcare. Healthcare providers need to be aware of and sensitive to these practices to provide effective and culturally competent care.
In both cultures, the integration of traditional and modern medicine practices is common. Healthcare providers should be knowledgeable about traditional healing practices and herbal remedies to effectively communicate with patients and address their healthcare needs. Additionally, understanding the significance of religious beliefs and the role of spirituality in health is crucial for establishing trust and promoting cultural sensitivity in healthcare encounters.
The community plays a central role in the delivery of healthcare in both cultures. In Egypt, community networks support the dissemination of health information and promote preventive healthcare measures (Sobhy & Morsy, 2019). Healthcare providers should collaborate with community leaders and organizations to reach and engage the community effectively. Similarly, in the Filipino culture, healthcare providers should involve family members in the care process and leverage their support networks for better healthcare outcomes.
Conclusion
The cultural health customs of the Egyptian and Filipino cultures have a profound influence on the delivery of community healthcare. Healthcare providers must be knowledgeable and sensitive to these customs to provide culturally competent care. Understanding the use of traditional healing practices, herbal remedies, the influence of religion, and the importance of family and community involvement plays a crucial role in providing effective healthcare services to these populations. By integrating cultural awareness and respect into the delivery of community healthcare, healthcare providers can improve health outcomes and foster trust and cooperation with these diverse cultural groups.