People of Appalachian Heritage.People of Arab Heritage.Pleas…
Inhabited localities and topography play a significant role in shaping the cultural and healthcare views of different heritages. This analysis will provide an overview of the inhabited localities and topography of the Appalachian and Arab heritages, and discuss the similarities in their beliefs regarding the delivery of healthcare. Additionally, the influence of religion or folk beliefs on healthcare delivery will be explored.
The Appalachian region spans across various states in the eastern United States, including areas of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia (Arcury & Quandt, 2015). This vast region encompasses both rural and urban communities, with a diverse topography characterized by mountains, plateaus, valleys, and rolling hills. The inhabited localities in Appalachia range from small, isolated communities tucked into the mountains to larger urban areas.
In contrast, the Arab heritage is associated with the Middle East and North Africa. The primary countries in this region include Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen (Alali et al., 2018). The topography of the Arab heritage is characterized by deserts, mountains, and coastal regions. The inhabited localities in this heritage range from small rural villages to bustling cities like Cairo, Baghdad, and Riyadh.
Despite the geographical distance between the Appalachian and Arab heritages, there are several similarities in their beliefs regarding healthcare delivery. Both heritages have a strong emphasis on community and family-based care. In the Appalachian heritage, the extended family plays a vital role in caregiving, often providing support and assistance to sick family members (Arcury & Quandt, 2015). Similarly, in the Arab heritage, the concept of “al-umūma al-wataniyya” or national family is deeply rooted, and it underscores the importance of collective responsibility for healthcare (Benning, 2015).
Both heritages also exhibit a strong reliance on traditional healing practices alongside modern medicine. In Appalachia, folk healers known as “granny witches” or “herb doctors” have a long-standing tradition in providing remedies for various ailments (Arcury & Quandt, 2015). Similarly, in the Arab heritage, traditional medicine, such as herbal remedies and cupping therapy, is commonly used alongside Western medicine (Al Sanosi et al., 2016).
Religion and folk beliefs have a profound influence on the delivery of healthcare in both heritages. In the Appalachian heritage, religious beliefs often guide healthcare decisions. For example, individuals may rely on prayer and faith-based healing practices, such as laying of hands or anointing with oil, as a part of their healing process (Arcury & Quandt, 2015). Similarly, the Arab heritage is deeply rooted in Islam, and religious practices impact healthcare delivery. Islamic teachings encourage seeking medical treatment, as it is seen as a way of preserving one’s health (Alali et al., 2018). However, some folk beliefs within the Arab heritage may conflict with biomedical interventions, leading individuals to seek alternative healing methods.
In conclusion, the Appalachian and Arab heritages have distinct inhabited localities and topography that shape their cultural and healthcare views. Both heritages exhibit similarities in their beliefs regarding the delivery of healthcare, emphasizing community and family-based care, as well as the integration of traditional healing practices. Religion and folk beliefs play a significant role in influencing healthcare delivery in these heritages. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for healthcare providers to deliver effective and culturally sensitive care to individuals from the Appalachian and Arab heritages.
References:
Al Sanosi, A. W., Elkhalifa, N. K., & Alqadhi, A. (2016). Traditional Medicine Culture among Arab Heritage: A Short Review. The Open Complementary Medicine Journal, 8(1), 36-41.
Alali, F. Q., Kaedbey, H., Zuabi, N., & Karam, R. (2018). Arab culture and healthcare. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 20(5), 1151-1158.
Arcury, T. A., & Quandt, S. A. (2015). Latino and Appalachian residents’ perceptions of their communities and access to healthcare. Journal of Community Health, 40(5), 909-916.
Benning, L. M. (2015). The Role of Family in Arab Culture. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 26(1), 3-4.