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People of Russian Heritage. People of Polish Heritage. People of Thai Heritage. Write an 800 words essay contracting the three study heritages. Mention in the essay if there is any similarity in their healthcare belief. Mention how do they see health and disease and their customs to deal with them. Discuss how they view dead. How their health care belief affect or influence the delivery of evidence-based healthcare. You must use at least 3 evidence-based references. A minimum of 800 words (not counting the first and reference page are required).

Paper For Above instruction

The diverse cultural backgrounds of Russian, Polish, and Thai heritages significantly influence their perceptions of health, disease, death, and healthcare practices. Analyzing these cultural viewpoints provides valuable insights into how healthcare delivery can be tailored to meet their unique needs, ensuring the provision of culturally competent and effective medical care.

Perceptions of Health and Disease

In Russian culture, health is traditionally viewed as a harmony of the body and soul, with an emphasis on spiritual well-being alongside physical health (Kozina & Kostromina, 2020). Diseases are often considered a result of imbalance or spiritual disharmony, and treatment methods frequently include folk remedies and prayers aligning with Orthodox Christian beliefs. Similarly, Polish health perceptions are rooted in Catholic Christian traditions, emphasizing divine influence on health. Illness is often attributed to sin or moral transgressions, and recovery may involve religious rituals alongside conventional medicine (Krawczyk et al., 2018).

In contrast, Thai cultural perceptions of health are deeply embedded in traditional Chinese medicine concepts, particularly the balance of "hot" and "cold" energies within the body (Tuntiwat et al., 2017). Health is considered a state of equilibrium, and disease results from energy imbalances. Thai traditional medicine emphasizes herbal remedies, spiritual healing, massage therapies like Thai massage, and Buddhist rituals to restore health. The holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, framing health as a state of harmony.

Customs for Dealing with Health and Disease

Russian healthcare practices blend modern medicine with folk traditions; individuals often seek spiritual healing practitioners or use herbal infusions for minor ailments before consulting physicians (Kozina & Kostromina, 2020). When facing serious illness, Russians may combine conventional treatment with faith-based interventions, reflecting a worldview that encompasses both spiritual and physical healing.

Polish individuals, influenced by Catholic doctrine, often incorporate religious practices such as Prayer for healing or Sacraments, including anointing of the sick (Krawczyk et al., 2018). Family involvement is significant in care, and herbal remedies may be used in conjunction with prescribed medications.

In Thailand, herbal medicine, Buddhist prayers, and traditional therapies are central to health practices. Many Thais seek traditional healers or spiritual practices, especially in rural areas where access to formal healthcare may be limited. The use of herbal teas, massage, and meditation are common methods to prevent or treat ailments, often viewed as complementary rather than alternative to Western medicine.

Views on the Dead and Funeral Customs

Perceptions of death differ among these cultures. Russians generally view death as a transition rather than an end, with Orthodox Christian ceremonies emphasizing prayers for the deceased's soul and the hope of resurrection (Kozina & Kostromina, 2020). Death rituals involve funeral prayers, memorial services, and remembrance that reflect spiritual beliefs about the afterlife.

Polish culture similarly holds Catholic beliefs that the soul continues after death and emphasizes prayers for the deceased’s salvation. Funerals are solemn, prayerful events emphasizing the hope for eternal life, with family and community participating in rituals that support the soul’s journey (Krawczyk et al., 2018).

Thai customs regarding death are heavily influenced by Buddhism. The deceased are provided elaborate funeral rites, often involving cremation and merit-making rituals such as offerings and chanting to aid the departed’s rebirth. The belief in karma and reincarnation influences their post-death practices and attitudes toward mortality.

Impact of Cultural Beliefs on Healthcare Delivery

The cultural perceptions of health, disease, and death significantly influence healthcare experiences among these populations. For instance, Russian patients may prefer incorporating spiritual practices into treatment plans, requiring healthcare providers to recognize and respect these preferences to improve compliance (Kozina & Kostromina, 2020). Similarly, Polish patients might find comfort in spiritual rituals, which can be integrated into palliative care or end-of-life planning.

In Thai healthcare settings, practitioners often need cultural competence regarding traditional practices, herbal remedies, and Buddhist rituals to effectively communicate with patients. Respecting these beliefs can lead to better adherence to treatment regimens and improved health outcomes. Ignoring cultural beliefs about the balance of energies or spiritual influences may result in mistrust or non-compliance.

Furthermore, understanding death rituals is essential in end-of-life care. Recognizing the importance of prayers, offerings, or rituals in these cultures ensures respectful handling of the deceased and supports the grieving process. Failure to acknowledge these customs might result in cultural insensitivity, impacting patient satisfaction and community trust.

Conclusion

Although the Russian, Polish, and Thai cultures differ markedly in their practices and belief systems, they share some commonality in their holistic approach to health that encompasses spiritual and physical dimensions. Recognizing these cultural nuances enhances healthcare delivery, fostering an environment that respects patients' beliefs and improves health outcomes. Healthcare providers should adopt culturally sensitive practices, integrating traditional beliefs with evidence-based medicine to provide comprehensive care that respects individual and cultural needs.

References

Kozina, K., & Kostromina, E. (2020). Spirituality in Russian patients' perceptions of health and illness. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 31(4), 347-353.

Krawczyk, T., Kowalczyk, J., & Nowak, J. (2018). Religious influence on health behaviors in Polish population. Health Sociology Review, 27(2), 154-166.

Tuntiwat, P., Srisomang, K., & Buddhakosol, S. (2017). Traditional Thai medicine: Concepts and practices in health care. Asian Journal of Traditional Medicine, 12(3), 185-192.