Family Structure of East Indian Hindu Families

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  1. Describe the family structure of some East Indian Hindu families and the effect the family organization may have on health-seeking behavior.
  2. What are the contributing factors that lead to the high birth rate in Haiti and among Haitian immigrants?
  3. List religious needs a Jewish client may have while being hospitalized with which nursing staff can assist.

Submission Instructions:

  • Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted, and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources.

family structure of some East Indian Hindu families

A. Family Structure of East Indian Hindu Families and Its Effect on Health-Seeking Behavior

East Indian Hindu families typically exhibit a patriarchal and extended family structure, characterized by the presence of multiple generations living under one roof or in close proximity. This structure often includes parents, children, grandparents, and sometimes other relatives like uncles, aunts, and cousins. The head of the family is usually the eldest male, and decision-making authority tends to rest with him. Women, while respected, often play a more supportive role, focusing on household responsibilities and caregiving.

Impact on Health-Seeking Behavior

  1. Decision-Making Process: In many Hindu families, health-related decisions are often made by the senior male members of the family. This can delay seeking medical care, as the consent and advice of the elders are usually sought before any action is taken. The involvement of multiple family members in the decision-making process can also lead to delays.
  2. Traditional Beliefs and Practices: Hindu families may rely on traditional practices and home remedies before seeking modern medical interventions. Ayurveda and other forms of traditional medicine are often preferred due to cultural beliefs and trust in ancestral wisdom. This can result in delayed access to allopathic treatments and complications in health conditions.
  3. Community and Social Support: The extended family and community provide robust support systems, which can positively influence health-seeking behavior. Family members often accompany patients to healthcare facilities, provide emotional support, and assist with caregiving duties, which can improve adherence to medical advice and treatment plans.
  4. Gender Roles: Women’s health issues might be neglected due to traditional gender roles that prioritize the health and well-being of male family members. Women may also feel reluctant to seek medical help for issues considered taboo or embarrassing, such as reproductive health problems.

B. Contributing Factors to High Birth Rate in Haiti and Among Haitian Immigrants

Haiti has one of the highest birth rates in the Western Hemisphere, and several factors contribute to this phenomenon both in Haiti and among Haitian immigrants:

  1. Cultural and Religious Beliefs: In Haitian culture, having many children is often seen as a blessing and a sign of prosperity. Catholicism, which is the dominant religion, generally opposes contraception and promotes large families. These beliefs are carried over by Haitian immigrants.
  2. Lack of Access to Contraceptives: There is limited access to family planning services and contraceptives in Haiti due to economic constraints, lack of healthcare infrastructure, and cultural resistance. This lack of access continues to affect Haitian immigrants, especially those in low-income communities.
  3. Economic Factors: High infant and child mortality rates prompt families to have more children to ensure that some survive to adulthood. Children are also viewed as contributors to household income and caretakers for parents in old age.
  4. Educational Attainment: Lower levels of education, particularly among women, correlate with higher birth rates. Education increases awareness about family planning and provides women with greater autonomy to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

C. Religious Needs of a Jewish Client in the Hospital

Jewish clients may have specific religious needs while hospitalized, and nursing staff can play a crucial role in accommodating these needs to ensure comfort and spiritual well-being:

  1. Dietary Laws (Kashrut): Jewish dietary laws are strict, and clients may require kosher meals that comply with kashrut. Hospitals should provide access to kosher food options and ensure that food preparation meets kosher standards. If kosher food is not available, staff can coordinate with family members or local Jewish organizations to supply it.
  2. Sabbath Observance (Shabbat): From Friday evening to Saturday evening, observant Jews may refrain from using electronic devices, writing, and performing other activities prohibited on the Sabbath. Hospitals should accommodate these restrictions by ensuring that necessary adjustments are made, such as using manual devices or arranging for a Sabbath elevator.
  3. Prayer and Religious Services: Jewish clients may need time and space for daily prayers. Hospitals can facilitate this by providing a quiet area or arranging for a chaplain or rabbi to visit. Additionally, clients may wish to observe religious holidays and festivals, which might require special arrangements.
  4. Modesty and Gender Sensitivity: Modesty is significant in Jewish law, particularly for Orthodox Jews. Female clients might prefer female healthcare providers for examinations and treatments. Hospitals should respect these preferences whenever possible.

Conclusion

Understanding the cultural and religious needs of diverse patient populations is essential in providing holistic and respectful care. By recognizing the unique family structures and health-seeking behaviors of East Indian Hindu families, addressing the contributing factors to high birth rates in Haiti, and accommodating the religious needs of Jewish clients, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and ensure a more inclusive healthcare environment.

References

  • Dasgupta, S. D. (1998). Gender roles and cultural continuity in the Asian Indian immigrant community in the US. Sex Roles, 38(11-12), 953-974.
  • Farmer, P. (2004). Pathologies of Power: Health, Human Rights, and the New War on the Poor. University of California Press.
  • Feldman, E. A., & Stein, J. D. (2020). The impact of cultural and religious factors on health-seeking behavior among Orthodox Jews. Journal of Religion and Health, 59(4), 1832-1845.
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