Describe the family structure of some East Indian Hindu families and the effect the family organization may have on health-seeking behavior.
What are the contributing factors that lead to the high birth rate in Haiti and among Haitian immigrants?
List religious needs a Jewish client may have while being hospitalized with which nursing staff can assist
Sample Answer
East Indian Hindu Family Structure and Health-Seeking Behavior
The family structure of many East Indian Hindu families is traditionally joint or extended. This means multiple generations—such as grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren—often live together in the same household or in close proximity. The eldest male is typically the patriarch and the primary decision-maker, especially regarding major family matters like finances and healthcare. This patriarchal structure often means that a person's health-seeking behavior is not an individual choice but a family decision.
The effect of this family organization on health-seeking behavior can be significant:
Delayed Care: An individual may not seek medical attention until the patriarch approves it. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for women and younger family members who may not have the autonomy to make their own health decisions.
Reliance on Traditional Medicine: The family may first turn to traditional home remedies, Ayurvedic medicine, or spiritual healers before consulting a Western-trained doctor. This is often rooted in cultural beliefs and trust in long-standing practices.
Collective Financial Burden: Healthcare costs are typically a shared family responsibility. This can be beneficial as it provides a support network, but it can also be a barrier if the family as a whole cannot afford the treatment, regardless of the individual's need.
Emphasis on Privacy: Family matters, including health issues, are often considered private. This can make it difficult for healthcare providers to get a complete medical history if the individual is hesitant to disclose personal information without family consent.
Factors Contributing to High Birth Rates in Haiti
Several interconnected factors contribute to the high birth rate in Haiti and among Haitian immigrants, including:
Lack of Access to Family Planning: There is a significant scarcity of and low access to contraception and family planning education, particularly in rural areas. This limits people's ability to control family size.
Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Large families are often seen as a sign of prosperity and social status. Additionally, the influence of some religious beliefs may discourage the use of contraception.
Economic Conditions: Children are often seen as a source of labor, especially in agricultural settings, and as a form of social security for parents in their old age. Having more children is seen as a way to increase the family's economic stability.
High Infant Mortality Rate: Due to poor healthcare and sanitation, the infant and child mortality rates are high in Haiti. As a result, families may have more children to ensure that some survive to adulthood.
Religious Needs of a Jewish Client in the Hospital
When a Jewish client is hospitalized, nursing staff can assist with several religious needs:
Sabbath Observance: Jewish clients who observe the Sabbath (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) may not use electronic devices, answer phones, or press elevator buttons. Nursing staff can assist by opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, and providing a non-electronic way to call for assistance.
Kosher Dietary Needs: Many Jewish people observe kashrut, or Jewish dietary laws. Nursing staff must ensure the client receives kosher meals that are prepared and served according to these laws. This includes avoiding mixing meat and dairy and ensuring all food has a kosher certification.
Prayer and Religious Items: A Jewish client may require a quiet space for prayer. They may also use religious items such as a prayer book (siddur), prayer shawl (tallit), or a small box containing biblical verses (tefillin). Nursing staff should handle these items with respect and provide a safe place for them.
Circumcision (Bris Milah): If a Jewish male infant is born in the hospital, the parents may request a mohel (a Jewish person trained in circumcision) to perform the ritual circumcision on the eighth day after birth. Nursing staff should be aware of this tradition and facilitate it respectfully.