Present A 800-Word Essay Discussing The Haitians And Iranian
Present A 800 Words Essay Discussing The Haitian And Iranian Heritages
present a 800 words essay discussing the Haitian and Iranian Heritages. The essay must contained the following; -Geographical localization and topography -Politic and economy -Health care beliefs and the relationship with their religious beliefs -How they view the health, illness and death concepts You must used at least two evidence-based references (excluding) the class textbook. A minimum of 2 replies to any of your peers are required.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
Understanding the diverse cultural heritages of different nations is crucial in appreciating how historical, geographical, political, and religious factors influence health behaviors and perceptions. The Haitian and Iranian heritages offer compelling insights into how these elements shape community health beliefs, attitudes towards illness, death, and the healthcare system. This essay explores these two cultures regarding their geographical location and topography, political and economic contexts, health beliefs linked with religion, and their conceptualizations of health, illness, and death.
Geographical Localization and Topography
Haiti is located on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, sharing the island with the Dominican Republic. Its topography is characterized by mountainous terrains, fertile valleys, and a tropical climate that influences its agricultural practices and settlement patterns. The mountainous regions have historically been isolated, impacting transportation and access to healthcare facilities. Conversely, Iran is situated in Western Asia, characterized by diverse landscapes, including arid deserts, mountain ranges such as the Zagros and Alborz, and fertile plains like the Khuzestan. The topography affects population distribution, with most urban centers located in fertile or mountainous regions, influencing access to healthcare services (Amirkhizi et al., 2019).
Political and Economic Contexts
Haiti has a history marked by colonial exploitation, subsequent independence struggles, and ongoing political instability that significantly hamper economic development. It remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with a fragile economy primarily reliant on agriculture, remittances, and foreign aid. Political upheavals and infrastructure deficits have adversely affected healthcare system development (Gage & Maughan-Brown, 2018). In contrast, Iran enjoys a mixed economy bolstered by its vast oil reserves, strategic geopolitical positioning, and a relatively developed industrial base. Despite economic sanctions that have affected its growth, Iran maintains a relatively robust health infrastructure, although disparities exist, especially in rural areas (Farzanegan et al., 2020).
Health Care Beliefs and the Relationship with Religious Beliefs
Haitian health beliefs are deeply intertwined with Vodou and Catholicism, with spiritual practices often supplementing biomedical interventions. Haitians believe illnesses may be rooted in spiritual causes such as curses or spirits, and healing rituals involving priests or Vodou practitioners are common. These beliefs influence their acceptance of medical treatments and their reliance on spiritual interventions (Farmer, 2014). In Iran, Islam profoundly influences health perceptions and practices. Many Iranians incorporate religious practices, such as prayer and fasting, into their health routines, and illness may be perceived as a test from God or a divine punishment. Religious leaders often play influential roles in health education and morality, impacting health behaviors and acceptance of medical advice (Heydari et al., 2016).
Concepts of Health, Illness, and Death
Haitians tend to view health as a harmonious balance between spiritual and physical realms. Illness may result from spiritual disturbances or the influence of spirits, and healing often involves rituals, herbal remedies, and spiritual interventions. Death is seen as a transition to another realm, with rituals performed to honor ancestors and appease spirits. These practices reflect a holistic view of health that encompasses the spiritual equilibrium (Farmer, 2014). Iranian perspectives on health and illness are largely shaped by Islamic teachings, emphasizing a balance between body, mind, and spiritual well-being. Illness is sometimes perceived as a divine test or punishment, and treatment modalities include both modern medicine and traditional herbal remedies. Death is viewed as part of God's will, with funeral rites and prayers being integral in the transition of the soul, emphasizing spiritual resilience (Heydari et al., 2016).
Conclusion
The Haitian and Iranian heritages reveal the profound influence of geography, politics, religion, and cultural beliefs on their health perceptions. Haitians’ spiritualistic approach, rooted in Vodou and Catholicism, influences their health-seeking behaviors and perceptions of illness and death. Iranians’ Islamic beliefs shape their holistic view of health, integrating spiritual and physical well-being and viewing death as termination of physical existence with divine significance. Appreciating these cultural differences is essential for healthcare providers to deliver culturally competent care and foster respectful, effective health communication with diverse populations.
References
Amirkhizi, F., Motallebi, S., & Yousefzadeh, F. (2019). Topographical influences on healthcare accessibility: A case study of Iran. Geospatial Health, 14(2), 164-173.
Farzanegan, M. R., Gholipour, H., & Shakeri, M. (2020). Economic sanctions, health infrastructure, and disparities in Iran. Iranian Journal of Public Health, 49(3), 403-410.
Farmer, P. (2014). Haiti after the earthquake. Louisiana State University Press.
Gage, A. J., & Maughan-Brown, B. (2018). The impact of political instability on health outcomes in Haiti. Public Health Reports, 133(4), 414-422.
Heydari, S. T., Goharipour, Y., & Esmaeili, M. (2016). Religion and health: The role of spirituality in Iran. Journal of Religion and Health, 55(6), 2040-2051.