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Diverse Faith

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Running head: DIVERSE FAITHS AND HEALTH

Diverse Faiths and Health Care Practices: Nursing Integration
Amy Buttaro
Grand Canyon University: Spirituality in Health Care HLT-310V
September 2, 2012

Abstract
Cultural diversity plays a major role in health care. Hinduism, Sikhism and Islamic medical practices are discussed. Medical beliefs and daily activities that are affected when members of these faiths are hospitalized and options for adjustments related to those beliefs are highlighted. Appling these adjustments to practices can be made.
Diverse Faiths and Health Care Practices: Nursing Integration Health care providers come in contact with many patients of various backgrounds and religions. Knowing and understanding the diversity and how it affects health care practices is an important factor in treatment and care of patients. Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam are just a few of the faiths with differing beliefs relating to healthcare that differ from traditional Christian philosophy.
Hindu
According to Robinson (2012), Hinduism is the third largest religion and considered the oldest religion in the world. There are many diverse sects within the Hindu faith, but all have a common belief in karma, which means for every action there is a reaction that will affect the person’s future resulting in acceptance and compliance regarding health care provider instructions, and this will have an affect on the decision making process (Queensland Health, 2011). Some basic Hindu practices related to health care and healing that need to be addressed are medical beliefs, prayer, bathing, dietary factors, and personal space.
Many Hindus beliefs have a direct relationship with medical care and will have an effect on outcomes. The basic belief in the Hindu faith is that illness is the imbalance of the biological, psychological, and spiritual, and all three imbalances need to be address with treatments (Queensland Health, 2011). The Hindu faith supports transplants and organ donations. There is no official position regarding contraceptives or artificial insemination, and abortion varies based on sect. While it holds a position against suicide and euthanasia, Hindus believe that destiny determines death resulting in treatment not being required if it prolongs a terminal illness (Queensland Health, 2011). Pain is considered element of karma and so the Hindus patient may accept pain as it is seen as a spiritual progression from a past life (Queensland Health, 2011).
Although Hinduism allows individual choice on common practices of the religion, most find prayer of great importance, which can take place at any time and in any location within the patients’ activity and comfort level while in the hospital, and religious statues may be located near the patient (Queensland Health, 2011). Because prayer is of such importance, the patient should not be interrupted during their prayer time for activities of daily living or routine procedures. Bathing is an act of purity and the individual may follow a specific routine of cleanliness and prayer (Queensland Health, 2011). If possible, allow the individual the time for this ritual and aid if necessary. Vegetarianism is the most common Hindus diet along with fasting. This is based on the belief of non-violence and spiritual development. Discuss with the individual to clarify dietary preferences and days of fasting to determine compatibility with plan of care. Modesty of the man or woman of the Hindus faith needs to be considered. The individual may request a health care provider of the same sex and a family member present during an examination. If either is not possible, educating the individual on the need of the procedure will usually be adequate for permission to be obtained.
Sikh
Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world and like Hinduism, its roots are found in India (Queensland, 2011). There are some similarities in health care beliefs such as their belief in Karma and so will usually comply with health care providers requests. Prayer is also of importance to the Sikh individual as in the Hindu faith. However, the individual may have a prayer book at the bedside (Queensland Health, 2011). Most Sikh followers will follow a vegetarian diet and if they do not they must not consume meat that has been ritually slaughtered. There are five symbolic codes that members of the faith follow that include, Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan, and Kaccha. Kesh Kara and Kaccha are more of a factor relating to health care practices. Queensland Health (2011) explains these symbols that as follows: Kesh is the uncut hair of both men and women and is symbolic for courage, loyalty and commitment, Kangha is a wooden comb worn in the hair symbolizing cleanliness, Kara is love, commitment and restraint in the form of a steel bangle, Kirpan is a small dagger worn under cloths and symbolizes the duty to protect, and Kaccha represents fidelity and self-respect and is a unisex undergarments. These symbols should never be removed from the Sikh patient without permission of the patient along with a clear explanation of the need to remove any or all of the symbols.
Some beliefs in the Sikh faith will have an affect on the decision making process regarding some medical practices. The most important is the turban, which is worn to cover the Kesh and is a symbol of honor, if removed, it should never be placed on the floor or with the patient’s shoes, and alternative covering should be placed according to Queensland Health (2011). The Sikh faith supports transplants, organ donations, blood transfusions, contraception, artificial insemination, however, only during the marriage (Queensland Health, 2011). Sikh followers are encouraged to meditate and pray to aid with mental health but are also encouraged to seek medical treatment. Suicide and euthanasia are not permitted (Queensland Health, Sikh, 2011).
Islam
Islamic followers are referred to as Muslims and believe in one God and Muhammad, who is believed to be the last profit of God (Taheri, 2008). The Qur’an is the Holy Scripture that guides the Islamic follower. Muslims believe that health is the balance and illness is the imbalance (Taheri, 2008). The approach regarding health care is preventative measures such as maintaining good personal hygiene and a healthy diet. Medical practices, diet and modesty play a role in the health care beliefs with members of the Islamic faith.
There are no stands on transplant or organ donation according to Islamic law (Taheri, 2008). However, according to Taheri accepting an organ is acceptable base on the “Islamic principle of saving lives”(2008). There are specific guidelines related to death, do not resuscitate orders are within the guidelines of the faith along with discontinuation of life support, especially since death is viewed with importance of the soul entering into the afterlife (Taheri, 2008). A death ritual is performed that the Muslim followers believe guides the soul into the afterlife and the family should be allowed to perform the ritual when possible (Taheri, 2008) Prayer is an important element of the Islamic faith. The patient needs to be facing the holy city of Mecca, which is facing northeast in the United States, along with ritual washing (Taheri, 2008). Dietary restrictions include no pork or alcohol, yet followers will use if it becomes a life saving measure and will follow most dietary suggestions from healthcare providers (Taheri, 2008). Fasting is also a common practice, but is exempt for ill patients. Reciting the Qur’an brings blessings of spirituality and will provide comfort for the Islamic patient (Taheri, 2008) According to Taheri, women of the faith may request same gender providers and may request to have head and body covered with Islamic coverings and should be asked permission before any skin is exposed (2008). Comparison
Members of the Hindu, and Sikh faith all believe in one God and have a strong belief in the power of prayer. Although the version of God differs, when comparing the basic beliefs to that of the Christian faith, some basic concepts related to medical practices are prevalent. Beliefs are similar related to transplant and organ donation in that it is allowed for all related to ideas on life, along with the position on suicide and euthanasia. Prayer is the most common thread. The holy words of the religion are comforting to individuals in time of stress and faith in those words will aid in the healing of the body and soul. Communication and respect are also s common threads throughout the different faiths. In times of illness, communicating with patients and their families respectfully considering the beliefs of the faith, a decision can be made regarding health care that is compatible with those beliefs.
In conclusion, beliefs and cultural diversity will affect how health care providers need to address individuals in times of illness. The most important factor that can be seen is respect, communication and thoughtfulness is the bridge to caring for patients from differing faiths such as Hinduism, Sikhism and Islam. Providing thorough information on procedures and detailed explanations of routine care allows the patients to understand the need for these practices and alternative options allows the patient to have a voice in the decision making process. Also, to allow the individuals the time to perform important elements of the various beliefs without interruption shows the patient respect for beliefs.

References
Robinson, B. (2012) Hinduism: The world’s third largest religion. Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/hinduism.htm.
Queensland Health. (2011) Health care providers’ handbook on Hindu patients. Division of the Chief Health Officer, Queensland Health. Brisban: Author. Retrieved from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/support_tools/hbook-hindu.pdfAmerican
Queensland Health. (2011). Health care providers’ handbook on Sikh patients. Division of the Chief Health Officer, Queensland Health. Brisbane: Author. Retrieved from http://www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/support_tools/hbook-sikh.pdf
Taheri, N (2008). Health care in Islamic history and experience. Retrieved from
http://ethnomed.org/cross-cultural-health/religion/health-care-in-islamic-history-and-experience

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