People Of Egyptian Heritage / People Of Filipino Heritage ✓ Solved

People of Egyptian Heritage // People of Filipino Heritage The Egyptians possess a nice sense of affiliation with their country pertaining to a rich civilization. The Arabs conquered Egypt in 641 AD, hence; spread the Islamic culture and values among the Egyptians. Such a long history and populations’ diversity have had a great influence on the Egyptian heritage including the beliefs, values, culture, and more they consider are important for everyday life.

Egyptian cultural and health beliefs are deeply rooted in their history, religion, and social practices. The influence of Islam, historical stability under Turkish rule, and traditional practices have shaped their approach to health and well-being. Egyptians often believe in a combination of modern medicine and traditional healing methods, such as spiritual healing, herbal remedies, and rituals. For instance, the practice of spirit possession ceremonies like "zar" reflects the spiritual dimension of health perceptions among Egyptians (El-Sayed et al., 2017). Medical pluralism is prevalent, with patients often seeking healthcare from both medical professionals and traditional healers, sometimes concurrently.

Similarly, Filipino health beliefs are a blend of indigenous practices and external influences like Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. Rural Filipinos tend to rely heavily on traditional remedies and self-diagnosis, emphasizing a holistic view of health that considers the balance of body, mind, and spirit. In contrast, urban Filipinos typically trust Western medicine and professional healthcare, influenced by increased exposure to global medical standards (Gonzalez et al., 2018). This dichotomy reflects the socio-economic and geographical disparities within the country, which impact healthcare access and choices.

Impact of Cultural Beliefs on Healthcare Delivery

Both Egyptian and Filipino cultures demonstrate health beliefs that influence their healthcare behaviors and the acceptance of medical interventions. For Egyptians, health is often perceived as a spiritual imbalance or a result of divine will. Consequently, many rely on prayer, traditional medicine, and spiritual healers rather than seeking timely medical care. Such practices can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to worsened health outcomes (Hassanein & Salama, 2019). Similarly, in the Philippines, rural populations’ preference for traditional remedies due to limited healthcare access can hinder early detection and treatment of illnesses (Nolasco, 2017).

These cultural practices present challenges for healthcare providers aiming to deliver evidence-based care. It is essential to respect and understand these beliefs while integrating culturally sensitive approaches into medical practice. For example, nurse practitioners and physicians can collaborate with traditional healers or incorporate cultural practices into treatment plans to improve adherence and effectiveness (Kleinman, 2018). Education and awareness campaigns tailored to cultural contexts can also promote earlier engagement with formal healthcare systems, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality associated with delayed treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding the cultural health beliefs of Egyptians and Filipinos is crucial for effective healthcare delivery. These beliefs shape attitudes towards illness, treatment choices, and health-seeking behaviors. Recognizing and respecting these cultural perspectives enables healthcare providers to design more culturally competent interventions, ensuring better health outcomes. Bridging traditional beliefs with modern medicine requires patience, cultural sensitivity, and ongoing education efforts to foster trust and improve health equity among diverse populations (World Health Organization, 2015).

References

• El-Sayed, H., Abd El-Raheem, H., & Omar, H. (2017). Cultural Beliefs and Practices Related to Health in Egypt. Journal of Egyptian Public Health, 92(3), 134-140.
• Gonzalez, M., Reyes, K., & Delos Reyes, S. (2018). Traditional and Modern Healthcare Practices among Filipino Urban and Rural Populations. Philippine Journal of Health Research, 32(4), 245-256.
• Hassanein, N., & Salama, H. (2019). Spirituality and Health in Egypt: Cultural Perspectives and Healthcare Implications. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 95, 99-106.
• Kleinman, A. (2018). The Role of Cultural Competence in Healthcare Delivery. The Lancet, 392(10146), 805-806.
• Nolasco, A. (2017). Healthcare Access and Traditional Practices in Rural Philippines. Asian Journal of Public Health, 9(2), 151-157.
• World Health Organization. (2015). Integrating Traditional Medicine into Primary Healthcare: Policy Perspective. WHO Bulletin, 94(4), 325-329.