religious/cultural beliefs v. suggested treatment

[mcs1505]

I'm doing a project on the different religious/cultural beliefs that sometimes clash with the suggested treatment because I think as nurses we should be aware so that we can have alternatives for our patients. So far I have found Jehovah's Witnesses not receiving blood products, Muslims and Jews not receiving porcine products, and some Christians not receiving abortions.

Have any of you encountered any other religious/cultural beliefs that have rules for health/sickness/medicine etc?

I think what I have is enough for the point I want to make, but I'd love to hear about any others that people know about.

[cmonkey]

FWIW, Jews, at least, can receive porcine products if it will save their lives. There are exceptions to kashrut for situations like this. So if a pig valve is going to keep someone alive until they can get a transplant, it is perfectly acceptable to receive it. I imagine it's the same for Muslims but I am not sure.

Maybe look into Hmong cultural practices. I think there are some restrictions or limitations (check out The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down for more info, great book regardless). Women in the PP period traditionally only eat boiled chicken, for instance. Traditional shamans are still common in the community.

Somali (and other sub-Saharan) women are commonly circumcised. This can have terrible effects during pregnancy and L&D. It's not religiously mandated although many Muslims say it is.

[paacollins]

Muslims will sometimes require that their beds face Mecca. In NC that means the bed would have to face the SW. I have yet to have to rearrange a room for anyone but my instructors said if a Muslim requested that you change the bed position, it was morally correct for you to do so.

Some Asian cultures believe in the Yin and Yang theory and that all things must be balanced. They believe that if you are ill, then something in your body is out of balance. They also believe that some disorders are "hot" and others are "cold" and have to be treated with the appropriate hot or cold foods.

Hispanics will often tie talismans or pendants around their infants necks or wrists to ward off evil spirits.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head. If you need more input, I'd be glad to look stuff up in my books.

HTH

[Unavailable]

some guides regarding Health care and muslims

http://erc.msh.org/mainpage.cfm?file=5.4.6.htm&module=provider&language=english

http://www.scribd.com/doc/16301022/A-Health-Care-Providers-Guide-to-Islamic-Religious-Practices

[kfarinato]

As nurses, when a cultural or religious belief interferes with suggested medical treatment, the only thing we can do is educate about the pros and cons of receiving vs not receiving said treatment. We cannot force someone into something that to them is morally wrong.

Another thing with Muslims is the oldest son takes care of the dying parent, and you speak to the family spokesperson, not the patient.

[Unavailable]

Another thing with Muslims is the oldest son takes care of the dying parent, and you speak to the family spokesperson, not the patient.

that is more to do with country/local custom then to do with the religion. which is why its important to find out their specific needs rather then assume care based upon what we believe their beliefs dictate

[kfarinato]

My apologies, I was repeating what my Muslim friend had told me, not just what was learned in school. I never thought to ask him if it was specific to Pakistan.

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

Nice thread. Thanks.