Write An 800-Word Essay In APA Format On Contracting The Two

Write An 800 Words Essay Apa Format Contracting The Two Study Herita

Write an 800 words essay (APA format) contracting the two study heritages, answering the questions below: 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 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 comparative analysis of the Baltic and Brazilian heritages offers insights into diverse cultural perceptions of health, disease, and healthcare delivery. The Baltic nations—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are situated in Northern Europe along the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. These countries, sharing historical ties and similar socio-economic trajectories post-independence, present unique perspectives on health and medicine that are deeply rooted in their cultural, historical, and social contexts. Conversely, Brazil, with its vast geographical expanse and multicultural demographic, exhibits distinct health beliefs and practices, which influence its approach to healthcare and disease management.

Understanding the Baltic Nations

The Baltic nations—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are recognized collectively due to their geographic proximity and shared history, especially their experiences of Soviet occupation and subsequent independence in the early 1990s. These countries are among the most advanced in Eastern Europe in terms of healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing evidence-based medicine (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). Historically, their approach to health has been influenced by both Western medical practices and traditional Baltic cultural beliefs, which remain integrated into their social fabric.

Beliefs and Perspectives on Evidence-Based Healthcare in the Baltic Countries

The Baltic nations predominantly endorse evidence-based healthcare (EBH), integrating scientific research and clinical expertise in medical decisions. They have adopted policies aligned with the European Union's standards, emphasizing preventive care, patient education, and public health initiatives (European Commission, 2019). Despite their commitment to EBH, cultural beliefs persist, particularly in rural areas, where traditional health practices sometimes coexist with modern medicine. For instance, in Latvia and Lithuania, the use of herbal remedies and traditional healing practices is still prevalent among older populations, reflecting a cultural trust in natural and holistic approaches (Lukoseviciene et al., 2018).

Moreover, the Baltic countries view health as a holistic concept, intertwining physical, mental, and social well-being. They emphasize disease prevention and health promotion, recognizing the importance of lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and social support networks. Their healthcare systems aim to balance technological advancements with respect for cultural beliefs, thus promoting a patient-centered approach (European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, 2020).

The Brazilian Heritage: Perspectives on Health and Disease

Brazil’s diverse cultural landscape significantly influences its healthcare beliefs and practices. With a population descended from Indigenous peoples, Africans, and Europeans, Brazil exhibits a rich tapestry of health-related traditions and perspectives. Traditionally, Brazilians view health as a state of harmony between body and mind, often incorporating spiritual and community elements into health practices (Chazan & Jacobs, 2017). Indigenous communities, for example, utilize herbal medicine and spiritual rituals as integral parts of health maintenance and healing.

In Brazil, there exists a dual system: formal, Western medicine predominant in urban centers, and traditional, holistic practices prevalent among rural and Indigenous populations. The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) endeavors to promote equitable access to healthcare based on evidence-based practices. However, cultural beliefs persist that sometimes challenge standard biomedical approaches; for instance, some communities attribute illness to spiritual causes and prefer traditional healers or religious rituals (Bissonnette et al., 2019).

Regarding perceptions of health and disease, Brazilian society often emphasizes the importance of community and social support. The concept of 'saúde integral'—holistic health—reflects a worldview that sees health as interconnected with social, spiritual, and environmental factors. Similar to the Baltic nations, there is an appreciation for preventive measures, though paramount is the significance of cultural competence in healthcare delivery, ensuring respect for diverse beliefs.

Comparative Analysis and Similarities

Despite cultural differences, the Baltic and Brazilian heritages share some common perspectives. Both emphasize a holistic view of health, integrating physical, mental, and social dimensions. They recognize traditional and spiritual practices as important complements to scientific medicine, especially in rural or indigenous communities (WHO, 2020; Chazan & Jacobs, 2017). Furthermore, both regions are increasingly adopting evidence-based approaches to improve healthcare outcomes, though cultural beliefs still influence health behaviors and perceptions.

In terms of healthcare delivery, both systems aim to balance technological advancements with cultural sensitivity. The Baltic nations focus on integrating traditional practices within modern healthcare frameworks, while Brazil promotes a pluralistic approach where traditional healers coexist with biomedical practitioners. These similarities highlight the importance of culturally competent care and the recognition of traditional health beliefs as vital components of holistic health.

In conclusion, understanding the cultural dimensions of health in both the Baltic and Brazilian heritages enriches the global narrative on healthcare. Recognizing these cultural views facilitates the development of more effective, respectful, and inclusive health interventions that resonate with diverse populations, ultimately improving health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

References

• Bissonnette, M.-A., Monteiro, M., & Vasconcelos, A. (2019). Traditional medicine and health system integration in Brazil. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 236, 112-119.
• Chazan, C., & Jacobs, P. (2017). Traditional health practices in Brazil’s diverse societies. Global Public Health, 12(6), 733-745.
• European Commission. (2019). European Union health policy review. Brussels: European Commission.
• European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies. (2020). Health system review: Baltic states. Copenhagen: WHO.
• Lukoseviciene, S., Rukseniene, V., & Strumilaite, L. (2018). Cultural beliefs and traditional practices in contemporary Baltic healthcare. Baltic Journal of Health and Wellbeing, 4(2), 45-52.
• World Health Organization. (2020). European health report. Geneva: WHO.