Essay Example: Cultural and Religious Diversity in Medical Care and End-of-Life Practices

Cultural and Religious Diversity in Medical Care and End-of-Life Practices

1. What are the beliefs of choice when it comes to medical care.

A. For minor issues they choose to use alternative methods of care.

i. Folk medicine, herbal remedies, teas.

Individuals in communities with deep cultural and religious roots often rely on time-honored folk medicine to address minor health concerns. Common practices include brewing herbal teas—such as chamomile, thyme, or mint—to alleviate mild digestive issues, colds, or headaches.

B. Will utilize modern medicine for major issues.

When more serious conditions arise, members typically seek conventional medical services, including prescription medications, laboratory tests, and surgical procedures, trusting that modern interventions offer critical benefits.

C. Choices are guilded by the community/family/church leaders.

Decisions regarding health treatments are frequently influenced by advice and teachings from family elders, community councils, or church leaders who interpret religious and cultural principles for collective well-being.

D. Believe that God is the ultimate healer.

There is a prevailing faith that ultimate healing is bestowed by a higher power, and medical treatments are viewed as instruments that operate under divine providence.

E. Financial restrictions and rural setting.

i. No insurance, pay in cash

Economic constraints and geographic isolation often mean a lack of health insurance coverage, necessitating out-of-pocket, cash-based payments for clinical and hospital services.

F. Culture doesn’t restrict them from seeking medical care but they are cautious healthcare consumers.

i. Will utilize after home rituals don’t take affect and pain is unbearable.

ii. Won’t show complaint of symptoms as it may show resistance to God’s will.

Although cultural norms do not forbid professional healthcare, many delay formal care until traditional home remedies fail and symptoms become severe, and they may understate discomfort to demonstrate faith rather than question divine will.

Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.

2. What are the beliefs on the death and dying process.

A. Death is an inevitable part of life.

In these traditions, death is accepted as a natural, predetermined event, underscoring beliefs about life’s transient nature and divine orchestration.

B. Prefer a peacrful netural death at home w/ no excessive medical intervention.

There is a strong preference for a calm and natural passing in the familiar surroundings of home, avoiding aggressive life-prolonging measures.

C. The community will provide support during time of need.

Extended family, neighbors, and church members actively participate in caregiving, offering spiritual guidance, emotional comfort, and practical assistance.

D. Believe that death is gods will & opportunity for growth.

i. Individuals life is sacred journey & seek opportunity for salvation.

ii. Death is a significant transition.

This worldview frames death as both divine will and a transformative passage, where each individual’s journey continues toward spiritual fulfillment.

E. Favor home care for terminally will.

i. Brings a sense of comfort and solice to be surrounded by loved ones during dying process.

ii. Will allow hospice RNs to attend

iii. Vast majority of care provided by community with prayer, support, natural remedies.

Terminally ill patients often receive palliative care at home, supported by visiting nurses and sustained through communal prayers and traditional gentle treatments.

Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.

3. What do they believe about after death procedures.

A. Three day process from preparing body to funeral. Involves the entire community.

i. Embalming is permitted, but no makeup or cosmetic corrections.

a. depending on type of community embalming will take place at mortuary or body kept on ice until funeral service is ready.

ii. Dressed in handmade white clothing.

iii. Simple handmade wood cassket.

Over a structured three-day ritual, community members collaboratively prepare the deceased: embalming without cosmetic alteration, dressing in plain white attire, and placing the body in a modest wooden cassket handcrafted by local carpenters.

B. Simple funeral service.

i. No flowers or eulogy.

ii. Done like a simple church service.

The funeral is conducted as a straightforward worship gathering without floral tributes or formal eulogies, centering on scripture readings, hymns, and communal prayer.

Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.

4. What are the cultural or religious norms to be mindful of during treatment.

A. Are modest and should be respected during exams.

Patients value modest dress and may request minimal exposure or same-gender caregivers during physical examinations to maintain cultural propriety.

B. Conservative christians

Healthcare providers should recognize that religious doctrines inform beliefs about gender roles, medical consent, and acceptable interventions.

C. Appreciate straightforward caregivers who provide clear communication on treatment options.

i. Have a general distrust to medical & pharmacutical field. Viewed as profit driven goverment extention.

Clear, transparent explanations help build trust, particularly in communities wary of perceived commercial motives in medicine and pharmaceuticals.

D. Value privacy.

Confidentiality is paramount; personal health information is shared only within trusted networks, and discretion is deeply respected.

Note: This section includes information based on general knowledge, as specific supporting data was not available.

Works Cited

No external sources were cited in this paper.