Cultural Anthropology Paper (Research Paper Sample)

Cultural Anthropology Paper
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Introduction
The healthcare sector in Lebanon is highly developed. There is very little reliance on traditional medicines in the Country. It is estimated that the number of doctors in Lebanon is more than the population needs. The government of Lebanon has made effective strides in trying to modernize hospitals. Culture puts into perspective the way we view the World around us. It is therefore correct to say that health is a concept of culture.
Culture defines many things including: how the health practitioners and patients view issues related to illness and health, beliefs exhibited by both health practitioners and patients as to causes of the diseases. A good example is the common belief among many cultures in the Middle East that an evil look or demons are responsible for some illnesses. The common beliefs lead many people to believe they cannot do much to help but watch as things unfold, many practitioners view depression as a mental condition therefore labeling a patient crazy, some cultures belief in stoicism where patients withhold expressing pain even in circumstances when the pain in unbearable, some cultures only consult professional health practitioners when the situation goes to the extreme preferring to consult close medical allies, the level of compliance and understanding on healthcare advice given by professionals who are not from the same cultural background. To some, doctors who do not prescribe an injection are considered as not taking the patients symptoms with the seriousness deserved.[]
The idea that it is possible to develop a general guide to assist health professionals fully understand a given culture is by all standards farfetched. The likelihood of coming up with a biased view to favor the authors individual views and perspective is highly probable. It is highly recommended that a health practitioner observes cultural competence and adopt care centered on the patient to avoid stereotyping. Adopting such an approach supports the respect of culture and favors advancement of the healthcare quality. It is important to always have in mind that cultures are of a dynamic nature, the level of diversity within a particular culture is evident and the assumption that it is possible to fully understand a given culture is wrong. It is likely to identify some exceptions within a culture and at the same time notice continuous evolution in the same culture.
The Arabic culture in relation to healthcare
Most of the people who subscribe to the Arabic culture are viewed by the world more very conservative than any other society in the world. From dressing, eating habits, religion, language and general etiquette. Most of the patients in the Arab circles prefer to be treated by medical staff from the same sex. This is often the case for women. Where language barrier is witnessed the patients will also prefer a translator from the same sex. Nurses are not considered as experts in healthcare but only assistants. Any advice or medical suggestions from the nurses is never treated with the deserved seriousness. The common understanding among the health circles is that nurses actually complement doctors and in many circumstances act on doctors instructions. Ignorance or a vague understanding of the role of the nurses put the patient’s health to great risk. The doctor may as of necessity have to explain explicitly the role of the nurse to the patient.
In some western cultures social workers are responsible for taking care of patients, Arabs however depend on family members and close acquaintances to take care of them. The friends, family and acquaintances are not necessarily experts in health issues and as such clarity of instructions and frequent appointments may be necessary to check on the progress of patients. Arabic Patients are known to prefer tangible medical care like an injection, medicines as opposed to professional counseling. Most of the illnesses require more than just medication. A condition like depression and diseases like diabetes require lifestyle changes and as such counseling is a central part of the healing process.
The orthodox Muslims that follow the strict Muslim diets prohibit some types of foods in line with their religious faith. Foods such as pork, alcoholic beverages etc. are prohibited. Patients requiring strict monitoring of diets may resist some meals containing pig products even if it is for the good of their health. Diabetic patients may refuse to take insulin injections therefore putting their health in serious jeopardy. Over the years Arabic Muslim women were isolated from the outside world, restricting them from men. Women were required to remain indoors unless necessary. The culture has however changed over the years with many women asserting their places in the modern society. This is an example of changing cultural dynamics. It is therefore important to maintain an open mind while approaching the issue of culture.
The devout Arabs of the Muslim religion are required to pray for up to five times from sunrise to sunset. Abstinence from alcoholic drinks is compulsory. Muslims usually fast during Ramadan avoiding food and drinks from morning to evening. Sick people and infants are exempt from fasting although intravenous solutions and oral medications are not allowed. Injections on the muscles are however allowed. During menses and the forty day period after women give birth they are exempt from fasting. It is however reported that some sickly patient try to fast during Ramadan to avoid the feeling of being left out. The religious activities around fasting and the restrictions involved may put a patient’s health at risk and as such the medics need to emphasize the need to adhere to medical instructions and professional medical advice. It is important to note that Muslims consider the left hand unclean because it is used to clean oneself while answering the call of nature.[]
The issue of honor amongst the Arabs is very important. A mistake by a person belonging to a certain family can bring great dishonor to the entire family. At least that is how the Arabs view the issue of honor. It is highly likely that an individual may choose to hide a serious health condition amid the fear of bringing disrepute to the family. Conditions such as sexually transmitted infections, drug addiction, mental health issues, and pregnancy may be hidden from the family. The people mostly exposed to this kind of situation are the adolescent ladies and the unmarried women. Take for example, if an unmarried woman is using contraceptives, they may want to hide this information from the family. A pregnant lady who is not married may want to secretly get rid of the child in a manner that may seriously put her health and life in danger. A health practitioner in such an environment must be highly weary of the possibility of such occurrence for the general good of all.
Mental health draw mixed reactions among the Arab communities. The people who suffer mental conditions are humiliated win many ways, probably more than other societies. People suffering from mental distress may choose not to seek family help or professional care. The family responsibilities are heavily on the shoulders of men. The weight of family duties may exert mental pressure on men prompting mental issues. A lack of a well-paying job or unemployment for example may contribute to mental health issues among men more than women.[]
In the Arabic culture, whether Muslim or Christian, regard death as the ultimate will of God. They consider death as something nobody can stop or delay in any way. Many Arabs consider the fatality of diseases as punishment from God and in their belief only God has the ability to reverse or sure it. Words such as cancer, death and other serious ailments terms can only be uttered with utmost care, sensitivity and due consideration of the feelings of the subjects. Arabs avoid the topic of death at all cost, how long a person will probably live or dying in general.
Any form of prognosis or diagnosis in Arab culture should first be communicated to close family member and not the patient. Euthanasia is not allowed under any circumstances. The right to life cannot be taken from the patient under whatever circumstances among the Arabs. Autopsy is disallowed because it is viewed as disrespectful to the deceased. In the event of death, burial is conducted almost immediately. Minimal contact with the body of the deceased is recommended. Arabic people belief that a dead body has ability to feel pain, till burial. They do not want to cause pain.[]
People usually identify with a cultural group or context as a way of expressing their heritage and for self-esteem. The cultural identity as a way of fostering survival is probably the strongest drive for human beings. The need for affiliation to other cultural groups largely depends on people and the culture they ascribe to. For Arabs, and the greater Middle East, the need for affiliation is widespread across all cultures. Relationships are the platform upon which the Arabs thrive. As opposed to the western culture Arabs tend to depend more on people within their groupings to coup with health issues. Any practitioner has to know that the level of dependency on the society around a patient is higher than other cultures.
A visiting patient will most likely be accompanied by more than a single individual to the health facilities. Most of the people accompanying the patient will most likely be answering questions on behalf of the patient. The elderly want to be present in the office of the physician to follow the proceeding. The feeling of duty for the people close to the sick comes automatically. The high level of intimacy around the patient from close family members is often followed by doubts on the intensions of people who are...