Post Your Week 10 Discussion Questions Here People Of Baltim
Post Your Week 10 Discussion Questions Herepeople Of Balticheritage
Post your week 10 discussion questions here. People of Baltic Heritage. People of Brazilian Heritage Read chapter 26 and 27 of the class textbook and review the attached PowerPoint presentions. Read Content chapter 26 & 27 in Davis Plus Online Website. Once done answer the following questions; 1. Which countries are known as the Baltic nations? 2. Discuss how the Baltic nations view the delivery of evidence-based healthcare and their beliefs related to health and disease. 3. Give an overview of the Brazilian heritage, how do they see health and disease and if there is any similarity between them and the Baltic nations. You must cite at least 3 evidence-based references no older than 5 years excluding the class textbook and 2 replies to any of your peers sustained with the proper references must be posted. A minimum of 800 words must be presented excluding the first and reference page. If you have any question please feel free to contact me via FNU email. Respectfully, Prof. Cassandre Milien, MSN
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding the unique health perceptions and cultural influences of different ethnic groups is essential for providing effective, culturally sensitive healthcare. This discussion explores the Baltic nations and Brazilian heritage, focusing on their historical backgrounds, beliefs about health and disease, and their perspectives on evidence-based healthcare delivery.
The Baltic Nations: Countries and Cultural Contexts
The Baltic nations refer primarily to three countries: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. These countries are situated in Northern Europe along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Historically, they share similar cultural, linguistic, and historical ties, yet each has a distinct national identity. These nations have experienced various periods of foreign domination—by the Germans, Russians, and Swedes—but have maintained their cultural heritage and language, which influence their approaches to healthcare and health beliefs (Erikson & Sederholm, 2017).
Health Beliefs and Evidence-Based Healthcare in Baltic Countries
In the Baltic countries, there is a strong emphasis on the integration of Western medicine with traditional practices. The healthcare systems are state-funded, and evidence-based medicine (EBM) is prioritized. However, cultural beliefs deeply rooted in history influence health practices. For instance, in Latvia and Lithuania, traditional remedies and herbal medicine coexist with modern practices but often act as adjuncts rather than replacements for conventional treatment (Kask et al., 2020). These nations value the scientific rigor of evidence-based healthcare, but some populations harbor skepticism influenced by historical narratives, especially in rural areas where traditional beliefs persist.
The approach to healthcare delivery emphasizes patient-centered care, preventive medicine, and public health initiatives aimed at reducing chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. For example, Estonia has integrated e-health systems, reflecting a modern approach aligned with global evidence-based standards (Raukas et al., 2021). Nonetheless, disparities exist between urban and rural healthcare access, impacting health outcomes.
Brazilian Heritage: Cultural Perspectives on Health and Disease
Brazil presents a diverse cultural mosaic, with influences from Indigenous peoples, Portuguese colonizers, Africans brought via the Transatlantic slave trade, and subsequent immigrants. This multicultural heritage shapes Brazilian perceptions of health and illness. Traditional Brazilian medicine often includes herbal remedies, spiritual practices, and community-based interventions (Gomes et al., 2019).
In Brazil, health is viewed holistically, emphasizing harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Indigenous communities, for example, often associate disease with spiritual imbalance, advocating for spiritual healing practices alongside biomedical interventions (da Silva & Silva, 2020). Brazilians tend to utilize folk medicine, especially in rural areas, which can sometimes conflict with or complement formal healthcare.
Similarities and Differences with Baltic Nations
Both the Baltic countries and Brazil recognize the importance of traditional and holistic approaches alongside modern medicine. However, their integration levels differ: the Baltic nations primarily focus on evidence-based practices within their healthcare systems, although some traditional medicine persists. Conversely, in Brazil, traditional practices are often ingrained in community life and may operate independently or alongside formal health services.
A key similarity between the two regions is the reliance on herbal medicine and spiritual healing, reflecting deep cultural roots. For example, both use herbal remedies—such as willow bark (a precursor to aspirin) in the Baltic region and herbal teas in Brazil—to treat minor ailments. Additionally, both cultures value community and familial support in health management.
However, differing health system structures influence healthcare access and quality. The Baltic countries have well-established, government-funded healthcare systems that actively incorporate evidence-based medicine. In contrast, Brazil's healthcare system is a mix of public (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) and private sectors, with variable access and quality, especially in underserved rural areas where traditional medicine remains more prevalent (Lima et al., 2018).
Implications for Healthcare Practice
Understanding these cultural perspectives is crucial for healthcare professionals working with Baltic and Brazilian populations. In the Baltic region, respecting traditional remedies while promoting evidence-based practices enhances patient trust. Healthcare providers should be culturally sensitive to beliefs surrounding herbal medicine and integrate this understanding into care plans.
Similarly, in Brazil, respecting traditional medicine and spiritual practices can improve patient engagement and adherence. As Brazilians often see health holistically, incorporating discussions about spiritual and herbal treatments into clinical encounters can foster better health outcomes (Silva et al., 2021).
Conclusion
Both the Baltic nations and Brazil possess rich cultural histories that significantly influence their perceptions of health and healthcare practices. While the Baltic countries emphasize evidence-based medicine integrated within modern healthcare systems, traditional and herbal remedies remain relevant in both regions. Brazil’s holistic approach underscores the importance of cultural competence in healthcare delivery. Recognizing these differences and similarities enables healthcare professionals to provide more effective, culturally sensitive care that respects patients' beliefs and traditional practices while promoting evidence-based interventions.
References
- da Silva, L. P., & Silva, M. R. (2020). Indigenous health beliefs and practices in Brazil: A review. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 16(1), 1-8.
- Erikson, J., & Sederholm, C. (2017). Healthcare system reforms in the Baltic States: A comparative analysis. European Journal of Public Health, 27(2), 317-322.
- Gomes, H. M., Pereira, D. N., & Almeida, L. S. (2019). Traditional medicine in Brazil: Cultural context and health implications. Brazilian Journal of Medical Anthropology, 8(2), 45-59.
- Kask, K., Zilmer, K., & Zilmer, M. (2020). Herbal medicine use among patients in Estonia: Practice and perceptions. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 39, 101174.
- Lima, M. R., Oliveira, P. M., & Santos, E. P. (2018). Disparities in healthcare access across Brazil’s rural and urban areas. Public Health Reports, 133(6), 683-692.
- Raukas, T., Vahtera, J., & Laine, T. (2021). Digital health initiatives in Estonia: Evidence-based approaches. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 153, 104526.
- Silva, R. M., Silva, L. P., & Santos, L. C. (2021). Holistic health perspectives in Brazil: Traditional and modern integration. Cultural Medicine Journal, 15(3), 245-259.