Culture – Enslavement or Liberation?

All people, no matter the race, have their own beliefs and practices concerning health and disease. Each society or community has its peculiar way of doing their things and it is known that these practices and beliefs go a long way in influencing the people's perception, attitude and management of diseases and other health related problems that befall them. Each ethnic group brings its own perspectives and values to the health care system, and many health care beliefs and health practices differ from those of the traditional health care culture. Unfortunately, the expectation of many health care professionals has been that patients will conform to mainstream values. Such expectations have frequently created barriers to care that have been compounded by differences in language and education between patients and providers from different backgrounds. As health professionals it is important to seek information to help one’s understanding of traditional health beliefs and practices including religious practices that impact health and wellbeing. Building relationships based on mutual trust will enable cultural information sharing.