Middle Eastern Community and Hispanic American Community Cultural Beliefs - Essay Example

"Middle Eastern Community and Hispanic American Community Cultural Beliefs" is a wonderful example of a paper on social and family issues. Comprehending the cultural values of a patient is one of the factors that contribute to success in health care. As health professionals, we tend to be sensitive to our own cultural beliefs, and sometimes judge others on the basis of their cultural beliefs and practices. As a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, it is of utmost importance for me to offer health care services guided by the patient's cultural beliefs and practices. This paper compares and contrasts cultural beliefs between the Middle Eastern and Hispanic American communities. This paper further offers a personal reflection on what has been learned in class discussions, and also how this knowledge can be used in clinical laboratory practice to make the services more effective.   

Differences

            There are a lot of cultural differences between the Middle Eastern and Hispanic American Communities. Most individuals from the Middle Eastern community are Arabs and practice Islam as a religion while those from Hispanic backgrounds are Catholics. Muslims are required to conform to their culture and therefore do not consume alcohol or take pork. Hispanic Americans lack such restrictions. Middle Eastern culture accentuates and heightens the importance of upholding individual wellbeing and maintaining superior physical conditions through observing cleanliness and adopting healthy eating habits. Hispanics, on the other hand, tend to disregard or overlook practices that may prevent incidences of ill health. While Middle Eastern communities believe in modern medical therapy or treatment and will do anything to receive prescriptions for their ailments, it is difficult to find a Hispanic seeking treatment and they sometimes fail to appear for doctor's appointments (Fernandez and Fernandez).       

Similarities

            There are also various cultural similarities between these two communities. In both communities, elders are regarded with high esteem as they are thought to possess a lot of skills and knowledge. Therefore, everybody has to seek the elder's counsel and guidance in times of sickness. Based on the nature of the illness, the elders can either suggest or propose traditional or professional therapy. It is also a cultural practice for individuals in both communities to wear lucky charms as they believe that they avert ill health. Social workers and nurses are not regarded with respect in both communities and hence their advice is not heeded, modesty is highly treasured particularly among women, males are not allowed to assist women when giving birth, men are the heads of the family, and both communities do not respect individuals with mental problems. In addition, women in both communities are uncomfortable discussing personal issues with male health professionals, and it is hard to find members of a family disclosing their personal issues to others. Therefore, a doctor may sometimes make incorrect assumptions regarding a particular ailment since some information may be withheld. The role of the woman is also respected in both communities as they are the source of inspiration and motivation in the family(Fernandez and Fernandez).       

What I have learned

            Through the class discussion on cultural diversity, I have learned that each and every community has its own cultural beliefs and practices. Many health professionals are faced with problems when dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. I have also learned that it is the duty of health professionals to comprehend and respect patient's cultural beliefs as they determine the success of health care practices. To be an effective clinical laboratory scientist, therefore, it is of significance to act in a culturally competent manner. It is clear from the class discussions that communities vary on the basis of religion, language, music, art, and other shared customs and traditions.  

Using what I have learned

            One of the most important ethical issues to follow as a clinical laboratory scientist is respecting people's cultural beliefs. I have always been assertive in learning diverse traditions and customs practiced by communities all over the world. Comprehending people's culture will assist me to understand what to do and what not to do when dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. In other words, understanding cultural diversity issues will help me in making sound medical decisions and pronouncements. Patients whose cultural values and beliefs are respected or considered in health care are contented with the services. In other words, quality health care is dependent on cultural diversity.

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