Popular health care beliefs vary among different cultures, and it is important for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to understand and respect these beliefs in order to provide culturally competent care. This paper will discuss the popular health care beliefs of three cultures – Irish, Italian, and Puerto Rican – and explore whether there are any similarities in their beliefs. Furthermore, it will highlight how these cultural health care beliefs influence the delivery of health care and provide suggestions for nurses on how to deal with them while providing nursing care.
1. Popular health care beliefs of the Irish culture:
The Irish culture places high value on family and community. Health care beliefs in this culture are deeply influenced by their strong Catholic influences. One common belief is the use of religious symbols, such as rosary beads or religious medals, for spiritual support during illness or hospitalization. Many Irish people may seek the assistance of clergy for spiritual comfort and healing. Additionally, there is a belief in the healing power of natural remedies, such as herbal teas or poultices, and some may prefer these over conventional medical treatments. The Irish culture also emphasizes the importance of prayer and may have specific rituals or prayers for different health conditions.
Popular health care beliefs of the Italian culture:
The Italian culture also places a strong emphasis on family and community, and their health care beliefs are influenced by their Catholic faith. Similar to the Irish culture, religious symbols and practices are important in Italian health care beliefs. Many Italians believe in the healing power of sacred objects and may carry religious medals or wear special clothing blessed by a priest. Additionally, there is a belief in the importance of a balanced diet and good nutrition for overall health. Italians often rely on traditional foods and remedies, such as olive oil or garlic, for the prevention and treatment of common ailments. They may be hesitant to rely solely on medications and may prefer natural or traditional remedies.
Popular health care beliefs of the Puerto Rican culture:
The Puerto Rican culture has a unique blend of influences, including indigenous, African, and Spanish. Puerto Ricans often have a strong belief in the power of spiritual healing, and many turn to religious leaders, such as curanderos or spiritual healers, for guidance and treatment. There is also a belief in the importance of community support and involvement in health care decisions. Family members often play a significant role in providing care and may have specific roles and responsibilities during illness. Additionally, like the Irish and Italian cultures, Puerto Ricans may rely on natural remedies, such as herbs or teas, for common ailments.
2. Influence of cultural health care beliefs on the delivery of health care:
The cultural health care beliefs discussed above can have a significant impact on the delivery of health care to individuals from these cultures. Understanding and respecting these beliefs is crucial in providing culturally competent care. For example, healthcare professionals should acknowledge and accommodate the use of religious symbols and practices in the care of Irish and Italian patients. Nurses can work towards creating an environment that allows for spiritual expression and offer resources for patients to seek religious support. Additionally, being knowledgeable about natural remedies, such as herbal teas or poultices, can help nurses address the preferences and concerns of these patients.
In Puerto Rican culture, healthcare professionals should acknowledge the importance of spiritual healing and the role of community support in health care decisions. Nurses can collaborate with curanderos or spiritual healers to provide holistic care and ensure cultural safety. Engaging family members in care planning and decision-making can also help foster a sense of support and involvement.
As a professional nurse, it is important to adopt a patient-centered approach that recognizes and respects the cultural health care beliefs of individuals. This can be achieved by becoming familiar with the cultural backgrounds of patients and seeking to understand their values and beliefs. Actively listening and engaging in open communication with patients can help nurses identify and address any concerns or misconceptions related to their cultural health care beliefs.
In conclusion, the popular health care beliefs of the Irish, Italian, and Puerto Rican cultures exhibit similarities in their emphasis on family, community, and the influence of religious beliefs. These cultural health care beliefs have a significant impact on the delivery of health care and should be recognized and respected by healthcare professionals. Nurses can enhance their cultural competence and provide culturally competent care by being aware of these beliefs and incorporating them into their nursing practice.
