RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL RITUALS THAT CAREGIVERS OF MUSLIM PALLIATIVE CARE PATIENTS REFRAIN FROM PERFORMING DURING THE GRIEVING PROCESS

Abstract

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the religious and cultural rituals that caregivers of palliative care patients refrain from performing during the grieving process. Method: This study was conducted between May-July 2021. The population of the study consisted of caregivers of patients hospitalised in the palliative care centre of a hospital. The sample size was 286 people. Results: When we asked the caregivers about the activities they avoid doing after the death of their relatives; 59.1% stated that they avoid wearing make-up, 61.2% avoid wearing colourful/ornate clothes, 74.8% avoid laughing, 73.4% avoid going to wedding/parties, 71.3% avoid singing, 78.7% avoid dancing/playing. When we asked the caregivers why they did not do these activities; 71% stated that they felt uneasy, 69.6% stated that it was a sin, and 75% stated that they avoided disrespecting the deceased. Conclusions and Suggestions: According to the results of the study, it was determined that caregivers of palliative care patients have religious and cultural rituals that should be avoided during the grieving process regarding daily life, food, colours and clothes and personal care. There are religious and cultural rituals that societies avoid applying as well as the rituals they apply. In order for public health nurses to support the family during the mourning period, they need to know the rituals that families and societies avoid applying as well as the rituals they apply in order to make the grieving process healthier.