Cultural Beliefs Research Articles

‘Who am I now?’ the lived experiences and identity construction of individuals following bariatric surgery

ABSTRACT Mediatised standards of beauty in contemporary western societies contribute to stigma and discrimination of individuals labelled ‘obese’ by medical professionals. Most people who undergo weight-reduction treatments, including bariatric surgery, choose it due to serious health conditions, often unable to lose weight in any other way. However, they are commonly constructed as ‘cheaters’ and blamed for lacking will and self-control. Cultural beliefs demonising fat and fat people produce the perceptions of an inferior identity, often leading to internalised fatphobia among such individuals. This study investigates the lived experiences of 11 individuals after bariatric surgery using semi-structured interviews analysed via narrative framework. The findings demonstrate paradoxical effects bariatric surgery can have on identity, through a persistent ‘obese’ view of self and body perception challenges, indicating long-lasting harmful effects of symbolic violence these individuals experience due to stigmatisation and medicalisation of fat and highlighting hegemonic discourses inscribing normative views on human bodies.

Gbobalɔi and the Language of Naming: A Study of Revenant Children in Ga Communities in Ghana

This ethnographic study examines the naming practices of revenant children otherwise known as gbobalɔi, in the Ga communities of Ghana. It delves into the cultural beliefs associated with these children, the rituals performed during their naming ceremonies, and the implications of their unique names. Focusing on the Osu traditional area within the Greater Accra Region, the research utilised an explorative and descriptive approach. The sample comprised five elderly individuals, three men and two women chosen for their deep knowledge of local cultural practices related to gbobalɔi naming. Data was collected through interviews with strict adherence to ethical considerations like informed consent and confidentiality. The study finds that gbobalɔi are perceived as reincarnated spirits necessitating specific rituals and names for community integration. The names given often carry negative connotations or reflect the circumstances of their birth, intended to dissuade spiritual forces from claiming them. The research also addresses the challenges of preserving these traditions amidst modern influences. Overall, the study enhances understanding of naming practices in African societies and emphasises the role of names as crucial markers of identity and social roles.

Transcultural Perspectives in Nursing: Understanding the Role of Healers and the Evil Eye in Modern Healthcare.

The belief in the evil eye is defined as the power to cause harm through 'negative energy' obtained through a glance. The practice of "medicine of the evil eye or sa mexina de s'ogu" by the "feminas e ominis de mexina" (healers) is so deeply rooted in the Sardinian culture that it influences health practices. Transcultural nursing, conceptualised by Madeleine Leininger, emphasises the importance of providing health care that takes into account patients' cultural beliefs, practices and values. This study aims to explore, from the perspective of Madeleine Leininger's transcultural nursing theory, the perception of the "feminas e ominis de mexina" practising "sa mexina de s'ogu", in order to promote and raise awareness among health professionals of the importance of patients' beliefs and cultures. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The interviews were transcribed, read thoroughly, and analysed. Fourteen healers were interviewed. Six main themes were extracted: (1) figure of the healer in its social context; (2) dynamics and methodology related to rituals; (3) effects of the Evil Eye; (4) ritual demand; (5) effectiveness of the ritual; and (6) comparison between the ancient and modern world. These findings suggest that healers act as central pillars in the connection between traditional medicine and religious practices. In response to the results obtained, it is essential to train healthcare personnel in transcultural nursing in order to provide care that is respectful and in harmony with the individual's beliefs, promoting their comfort and well-being, and their health outcomes.

Perspectives on Organ Donation among Adolescents and Impacting Factors

Organ donation is a pivotal yet relatively unexplored subject in India, where prevalent myths, misconceptions, and cultural beliefs often shape people's attitudes and perceptions towards organ donation. This research paper delves into the views of adolescents in India on organ donation, as they represent a crucial demographic group that is poised to become future decision-makers and potential donors. Based on a thorough analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, the paper examines the knowledge, attitudes, and intentions of adolescents regarding organ donation. Furthermore, the paper investigates the factors that influence their willingness to donate organs, including their religious and cultural beliefs, family dynamics, educational interventions, and awareness campaigns. The study's results provide valuable insights into the obstacles and enablers of organ donation among young people in India and underscore the significance of targeted educational programs to foster a donation culture and enhance organ donation rates in the country.

Social-Cultural Factors Influence on Management of Shared Sanitation, in Nakuru Town West Slums

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 6.2 calls for 'adequate and equitable sanitation for all.' However, rapid urbanization in developing countries has led to the growth of slums, where access to private toilets is impractical. Evident studies showed that shared toilets are more often poorly managed with adverse harmful health risks such as diarrheal diseases, environmental pollution, and economic deprivations. The study's specific objective was to establish social-cultural factors influencing the management of shared sanitation in Nakuru Town's west slums, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-method design involving 288 household heads selected through a cluster and random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and interview guides. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics was computed. The study findings indicated that the majority, 74.7%, of shared sanitation was poorly managed. The study established statistically significant associations of secondary education (p=0.024), marital status (p=0.025), user satisfaction (p=0.001), household sharing (p=0.000), social norms (p=0.001), cultural beliefs (p=0.002), Rituals on use and cleaning toilet (p=0.038), Privacy and modesty concerns (p=0.002) and management of shared sanitation. In conclusion, a large proportion of households in slums used poorly managed shared sanitation due to the influence of multiple factors like users' satisfaction, Household sharing, marital status, social norms, and cultural beliefs, thus polluting the public health of the place. The study recommended that the Government and all other agencies implementing sanitation promotion interventions should understand the social-cultural practices of the target communities and articulate this knowledge to tailor sanitation initiatives effectively. Future studies should focus on implementing and assessing the effectiveness of behavioral interventions.

Literacy And Health Awareness Among Tribal Women In North Coastal Districts Of Andhra Pradesh

Tribal women are mostly illiterate and Socially and economically back word. A significant percentage of indigenous tribal women continue to employ home remedies and seek out traditional medicine practitioners/healers. If they are not healed, they seek treatment at private facilities. Inaccessibility, lack of facilities, personnel and their behavior, inconvenient visiting hours, and sickness state were highlighted as barriers to health seeking behavior among Indian tribes while visiting hospitals. Personal problems such as fear of losing daily earnings, cultural beliefs, cost, illiteracy, and unacceptability are also present. Over the years, the lack of maternal health awareness has caused several health concerns, including anemia, neural tube defects , tetanus infection, immunodeficiency syndrome, and even perinatal deaths. Poverty, illiteracy, meagre living conditions, lack of personal hygiene and poor health-seeking behaviour are known to be highly prevalent among these tribes. Further, early age at marriage, consanguinity, high parity and other behavioural factors among women in these tribal communities make them susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Research protocol for bridging research, accurate information and dialogue (BRAID)-clinical trials: a mixed-methods study of a community-based intervention to improve trust and diversify participation in clinical trials.

Cultural beliefs, personal experiences, and historic abuses within the healthcare system-rooted in structural racism-all contribute to community distrust in science and medicine. This lack of trust, particularly within underserved communities, contributes to decreased participation in clinical trials and a lack of representation in the data. Open dialogue about community concerns and experiences related to research participation and medical care processes can help build trust and change attitudes and behaviors that affect community health. This protocol outlines an approach to increase trust in science and clinical trials among communities in the Bronx, New York that are typically underrepresented in research data. Bridging Research, Accurate Information and Dialogue (BRAID) is a two-phased, evidence-based community engagement model that creates safe spaces for bilateral dialogues between trusted community messengers, and clinicians and scientists. The team will conduct a series of BRAID Conversation Circles on the topic of clinical trials with local trusted community messengers. Participants will be members of the community who are perceived as "trusted messengers" and can represent the community's voice because they have insight into "what matters" locally. Conversation Circles will be audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed to identify emergent challenges and opportunities surrounding clinical trial participation. These key themes will subsequently inform the codesign and co-creation of tailored messages and outreach efforts that community participants can disseminate downstream to their social networks. Surveys will be administered to all participants before and after each Conversation Circle to understand participants experience and evaluate changes in knowledge and attitudes about clinical trials, including protections for research participants the advantages of having diverse representation. Changes in motivation and readiness to share accurate clinical trial information downstream will also be assessed. Lastly, we will measure participants dissemination of codesigned science messages through their social networks by tracking participant specific resource URLs of materials and videos posted on a BRAID website. This protocol will assess the effectiveness and adoptability of an innovative CBPR model that can be applied to a wide range of public health issues and has the potential to navigate the ever-changing needs of the communities that surround health systems.

Health And Menstrual Hygiene Of Adolescent Girls In Vijayapura District.

One-fifth of the world's population is in their adolescent years, and in India, 20.9% of people are in this age range. Adolescent girls were unable to obtain the proper knowledge due to social prohibitions and cultural beliefs, which resulted in poor hygiene habits. Due to these behavior's, microorganisms are harbored, which raises the risk of Genito-urinary diseases. To better understand the menstrual hygiene practices of teenage girls in the Vijayapura district, a study on the subject was undertaken. The study's goal was to investigate the menstrual hygiene habits of teenage females in Vijayapura. The study's secondary data-based paper's methodology. As a result of this study, teenage girls' health instruction must focus on menstrual hygiene and health for them to continue practicing good hygiene. With increased understanding and safe menstrual practices, reproductive system infections and their consequences can be prevented.

Mother's Experiences in Caring for Children with Stunting in Rural Indonesia.

Stunting is a major health problem in Indonesia. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of mothers who take care of stunted children in rural Pamekasan Madura, Indonesia. This research employed a phenomenological approach and conducted in-depth interviews with 11 mothers in rural Pamekasan Madura, Indonesia, using purposive sampling. Data collection took place from June to September 2023. This study presents Madurese mothers' experiences caring for their children with stunting through two themes and five sub-themes: (a) beliefs passed down for generations: strong ancestral influence on feeding behaviors, traditional food, and traditional health-seeking behavior; and (b) insufficient resources on nutrition: a lack of time and money to provide nutrition-rich food and a lack of nutrition information. Cultural beliefs, a lack of nutrition education, and economic barriers contribute to stunting in children. Our findings guide the design of tailored interventions for preventing stunting in Indonesian families and global communities.

Cultural determinants of COVID-19 vaccines misinformation in Malawi

This study investigates how global misinformation and local cultural factors shape public perceptions of COVID-19 in Malawi. While misinformation about the pandemic often originates from global sources like the Internet and social media, its impact is influenced by religious and cultural narratives that resonate differently across various demographics, including gender. These ‘cultural determinants’ amplify the influence of misinformation, leading to widespread vaccine hesitancy. The paper draws on findings from a study conducted in the Malawian districts of Zomba, Dowa, and Nkhata Bay. The study reveals how religious prophecies and apocalyptic symbols, such as the ‘666’ mentioned in the biblical Book of Revelation, are used to frame vaccines as malevolent, distorting public understanding and fuelling fears about COVID-19. The role of social media in spreading misinformation is particularly significant, given its ability to quickly disseminate content and engage users as both consumers and creators of information. Despite limited internet access in Malawi, misinformation spreads effectively through offline spaces, where cultural beliefs and mistrust in political leaders further propagate it. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive public health communication strategies to address the fears and beliefs that drive misinformation and vaccine hesitancy in Malawi and similar contexts. Although misinformation and vaccine hesitancy are global challenges, the study highlights that misinformation in Malawi is culturally specific, localised, and appeals to fears, with distinct resonance across the male-female gender divide.

Unmet Needs and Factors Impacting Home- and Community-Based Service Use Among Rural Appalachian Caregivers of People With Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) living in rural areas face significant health and healthcare challenges. Limited research, however, has explored factors shaping their use of home- and community-based services (HCBS). This study identifies unmet needs among caregivers of people with ADRD in rural Western North Carolina and highlights contextual factors that facilitate HCBS use. Nineteen qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 family caregivers and 1 person with ADRD between 2021 and 2022. Thematic analyses revealed unmet needs among caregivers for information, service navigation, and caregiving support. HCBS use was shaped by multiple factors including illness needs, cultural beliefs, preferences for home-based care, and place-based resources. These findings suggest that culturally tailored HCBS are needed to support people with ADRD and their caregivers in rural Appalachian communities, especially those which facilitate access to paid caregiving, clearly communicate program eligibility requirements, and emphasize service availability.

The impacts of cancer treatment on lifestyle habits and mental health in Vietnamese women: an exploratory qualitative study.

This qualitative study explores the experiences of women after cancer treatment in terms of habit changes and mental health impact. The study involved 10 women who had undergone cancer treatment, recruited from three major hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study shed light on the various factors influencing lifestyle behavior and mental health changes among women after cancer treatment. Ten participants, aged 39 to 64 years, shared experiences including dietary changes, sleep disruptions, and reliance on non-scientific sources for health decisions. Initially shocked by their diagnosis, many transitioned to acceptance, adopting a "giving-in" attitude. Cultural beliefs, word-of-mouth sharing, and social support networks played significant roles in shaping post-treatment lifestyle changes, coping mechanisms, information-seeking behaviors, and mental health. The study highlights the need for accessible and scientifically verified information for women after cancer treatment to make informed decisions about their health. It emphasizes the importance of addressing traditional beliefs and promoting evidence-based practices. Moreover, the study underscores the importance of social support and relationships in coping with the challenges of post-cancer experiences.

Experiences of empathy of caregivers caring for persons with dementia: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

The aim of this systematic review will be to explore the experiences of empathy in informal caregivers caring for persons with dementia. Positive caregiving experiences of informal caregivers caring for persons with dementia have many beneficial outcomes, such as improved well-being of both caregivers and care receivers and a higher quality of care for the persons with dementia. Empathy is a factor associated with positive caregiving experiences and is strongly correlated with reduced depression and reduced anxiety in informal caregivers of persons with dementia. Therefore, it is essential to understand the experiences of empathy, especially the caregiver characteristics such as their caring behaviors, relationship with the patient, and cultural beliefs. This review will include studies on the empathy experiences of informal caregivers caring for persons with any type of dementia. It will consider qualitative studies, including, but not limited to, designs such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research, and feminist research. This study will follow the JBI guidance for systematic reviews of qualitative evidence and will use the meta-aggregation approach to synthesise qualitative studies. The search strategy will aim to locate both published and unpublished studies in English, Chinese, and Thai, with no date restrictions. Methodological quality will be evaluated using the standard JBI critical appraisal checklist for qualitative research. The findings will be pooled using the meta-aggregation approach or will be presented in narrative format. PROSPERO CRD42023490472.

Akani Diagnosis

This story explores the intersection of intergenerational trauma, healthcare discrimination, and racial bias in medicine through the lens of the Akani family. It looks at the complexities of patient-provider communication and the impact of historical medical mistreatment on Black Americans' healthcare-seeking behaviours. The narrative weaves together themes of family dynamics, cultural beliefs, and the struggle for adequate medical care, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by marginalised communities in the healthcare system.

Shared decision-making in end-of-life care for end-stage renal disease patients: nephrologists’ views and attitudes

BackgroundThe term end-stage renal disease (ESRD) refers to the final stage of chronic kidney disease. Not all ESRD patients are suitable for dialysis treatment, which despite its advantages, is not without risks. Shared nephrologist-patient decision-making could be beneficial at this stage, yet little is known about such practices in Israel. This study aimed at examining the practice of shared decision-making (SDM) between nephrologists and ESRD patients in Israel, while exploring related conflicts, ethical dilemmas, and considerations.MethodsThe descriptive-quantitative approach applied in this study included a validated questionnaire for nephrologists, based on Emanual and Emanual (1992). The survey, which was distributed via social-media platforms and snowball sampling, was completed by 169 nephrologists. Data analysis included t-tests for independent samples, f-tests for analysis of variance, and t-tests and f-tests for independence. Descriptive analysis examined attitudes towards SDM in end-of-life care for ESRD patients.ResultsThe findings show that the research sample did not include nephrologists who typically act according to the paternalistic decision-making style. Rather, 53% of the respondents were found to act in line with the informative decision-making style, while 47% act according to the interpretive decision-making style. Almost 70% of all respondents reported their discussing quality-of-life with patients; 63.4% provide prognostic assessments; 61.5% inquire about the patient’s desired place of death; 58.6% ask about advance directives or power-of-attorney; and 57.4% inquire about cultural and religious beliefs in end-of-life treatment. Additionally, informative nephrologists tend to promote the patients’ autonomy over their health (P < 0.001); they are also in favor of conservative treatment, compared to paternalistic and interpretive nephrologists, and use less invasive methods than other nephrologists (P = 0.02).ConclusionsNephrologists in Israel only partially pursue an SDM model, which has the potential to improve quality-of-care for ESRD patients and their families. SDM programs should be developed and implemented for increasing such practices among nephrologists, thereby expanding the possibilities for providing conservative care at end-of-life.

What Role Does the Heritage Language Play in Chinese Communities in UK?

This article examines the pivotal role of heritage language on Chinese diaspora communities in the UK, emphasizing its role in cultural transmission and identity formation. It emphasizes how community schools serve as essential platforms for heritage language education, enabling immigrant families to preserve their linguistic and cultural connections. The interplay between language learning and the socio-cultural environment is explored, revealing the challenges faced by learners and the significance of family education in this progress. Mastery of heritage language is shown to foster a sense of belonging and cultural pride, contributing to the construction of identities in a multicultural society. The article further discusses how heritage language education not only imparts linguistic skills but also installs cultural values and beliefs, reinforcing national identity among diaspora members. Ultimately, it underscores the transformative impact of heritage language on individual and collective identities, facilitating a deeper understanding of cultural nuances and promoting intercultural awareness within the diverse landscape of contemporary Britain.

Impact of Malaria on Maternal and Child Health in Uganda: Challenges and Solutions

Malaria remained a critical public health issue in Uganda, significantly affecting maternal and child health despite advances in treatment and preventive measures. Pregnant women and children under five years of age are particularly vulnerable, facing severe complications such as maternal anemia, placental malaria, and increased child mortality. This review examined the impact of malaria on these groups, highlighting the challenges posed by health system constraints, insecticide resistance, socioeconomic factors, and cultural beliefs. A comprehensive approach, including strengthening healthcare systems, implementing integrated vector management, engaging communities, and investing in research and innovation, is essential for mitigating the disease’s impact. This review was conducted through an extensive analysis of current epidemiological data, public health reports, and scientific literature to provide a detailed assessment of the challenges and potential solutions for improving maternal and child health outcomes in Uganda. Keywords: Malaria, Maternal health, Child health, Uganda, Public health interventions

Beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices toward wildlife among different ethnicities in Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces, Thailand

This concurrent qualitative study was carried out with the main objective to determine wildlife beliefs, taboos, usages, health perceptions, and practices among ten ethnic groups in four communities in Tak and Mae Hong Son provinces of Thailand from November 2020 to January 2021. We also gathered comprehensive information on study respondents’ knowledge related to potential risk behaviors that could lead to zoonotic disease transmission and infection. Furthermore, we intended to use the study’s findings to develop communication strategies and health literacy improvement interventions for mitigating risky behaviors, with a focus on ethnic groups and particular individuals who live in close proximity to forests and wildlife, to prevent future pandemics. Sixty-five respondents were purposively selected based on their extensive knowledge, active participation in local cultural contexts, beliefs, and exposure to wildlife contact or consuming game animals. Twenty (30.8%) participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs), while 45 (69.2%) participated in eight focused group discussions (FGDs). The results revealed that the characteristics of wildlife contact are similar and distinct based on their beliefs and taboos among various ethnic groups and study locations, which are influenced by cultural backgrounds and traditions. Although some ethnic groups do not have explicit restrictions on the consumption of wildlife, others adhere to specific beliefs and taboos that forbid the consumption or killing of specific wild animals. These beliefs frequently correspond with conservation initiatives, thereby facilitating the preservation of threatened species. The study also revealed a lack of appropriate health knowledge, perceptions, and practices regarding wildlife contact and consumption. As a result, it is recommended that public health officials and local governments develop and execute communication and education initiatives. These campaigns should aim to increase health literacy and promote safe handling, preparation, and cooking practices to reduce the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and infection effectively. Moreover, it is necessary to design and implement wildlife conservation education and outreach activities. The programs should promote environmental stewardship while considering the cultural contexts, beliefs, and practices of various ethnic groups. The activities should involve diverse stakeholders, including local leaders, religious influencers, community members, schoolteachers, students, health professionals, village health volunteers, and civil society organizations.

Mental health awareness, stigma, and help-seeking attitudes among Albanian university students in the Western Balkans: a qualitative study.

The significance of mental health and its impact on overall well-being is increasingly acknowledged across various sectors, including higher education. However, despite this growing recognition, the stigma associated with mental health issues and related help-seeking, particularly within certain cultural groups and socio-economic contexts, continues to pose a formidable barrier to effective care, especially among university students. Addressing these challenges, this study explores the intricate interplay of factors affecting mental health awareness and stigma, including help-seeking behaviors among Albanian university students in three Western Balkan countries: Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania. By dissecting these multi-layered influences, this study aims to develop targeted interventions to enhance mental well-being and dismantle barriers to care in these regions. This qualitative study involved 60 Albanian university students from Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania, using focus groups to gather data. The discussions were structured around the socio-ecological model, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal factors influencing mental health awareness, stigma, and help-seeking behaviors. Findings from the study indicate a moderate awareness of mental health issues among students. Familial and cultural stigma among Albanians in the Balkans hinder open discussions and access to professional help. There is a notable lack of support from higher education institutions, with only 20% of students reporting that their mental health needs are met. These needs include affordable and confidential counseling, empathetic faculty interactions, and a supportive campus environment. Additionally, there is a lack of continuous and professional help within the community. Societal attitudes deeply rooted in Albanian cultural norms and traditional beliefs perpetuate stigma, limiting effective health care and help-seeking behavior. The results emphasize the need for a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to mental health interventions that integrates strategies across multiple levels of the socio-ecological model. Enhancing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and advocating for supportive legislation and policies in the Western Balkan region are critical. Moreover, the study highlights the urgent necessity for universities in particular to improve their mental health services, which will significantly enhance both the academic success and personal development of students.

Comparison of cultural values in the myths of Mount Semeru and Mount Kunlun

Myths are stories about gods and goddesses who are connected with supernatural powers, used by ancestors as instruments to interpret phenomena that could not be explained. The existence of myths functions as an educational tool to instill specific cultural values and beliefs. This exploration is directed at comparing the myths of Mount Semeru and Mount Kunlun to gain further enlightenment regarding the cultural values in the two stories. The research was managed using a comparative descriptive research method through a literature study as a data collection technique. Research has found that the cultural values that are common among the people are that mountains are believed to be the house of gods and other creatures, the peaks of both mountains are trusted to be places where humans cannot pass, and several gods and goddesses are said to have helpers in the form of animals. The differences in cultural values accepted by society are in the form of differences in figures that are prioritized in their distribution and what is prioritized in their transmission in myths. That way, it is known that each region and country still has unique characteristics and specialties in its cultural life, which are reflected in mythical stories.