Influence Of Cultural Beliefs Research Articles

Influence of Cultural Beliefs on the Utilization of Integrated Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services in Benue State, Nigeria.

Background The maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is high at 576 per 100,000 live births. The health policy is in favor of health advocacy programs that promote the utilization of integrated maternal newborn and child health (IMNCH) services in local primary health centers by childbearing mothers. Cultural factors, however, have been shown to limit the widespread adoption of these services. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cultural beliefs on the utilization of IMNCH services by child-bearing mothers (CBMs) in Benue state. Methods A community-based correlational survey research was conducted on a random sample of 1,200CBMs. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants and a pretested, structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews. Only 896 copies of the distributed Integrated Maternal Newborn and Child Health Services Utilization Questionnaire (IMNCHSUQ) had complete information and were used for analysis. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS version 25 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Mean, standard deviation, and point-biserial correlation were used to answer the research questions while linear regression was used to test the null hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Results The majority of the CBMs were married (79.7%) and unemployed (66.0%) while the predominant age group was between 15 and 24 years (42.7%). CBMs had a high level of utilization of IMNCH services (X ®=3.30, SD=0.94); there was a positive moderate relationship between IMNCH utilization and cultural factors (rbp=.43, ρ= 0.000). Results also suggest that cultural factors were significant predictors of IMNCH services utilization in Benue State, Nigeria. Conclusion Any health education program for maternal and child health in Benue State should take cognizance of the cultural values, beliefs, and norms of the people to sustain positive ones while discouraging values and norms detrimental to the health and well-being of CBMs and their children.

Attitudes and Beliefs of African American Women Regarding Mental Health Services: A Womanist Exploration

Although studies indicate the influence of cultural beliefs on attitudes toward mental health and depression care services, there is a need to focus on the process of how culture plays a role in perceptions of mental health and depression care [1]. The purpose of this study is to explore, utilizing qualitative methods (e.g., focus groups), how cultural beliefs influence 40 African American women in their perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs about mental health services and mental health assistance-seeking behaviors, specifically regarding depression care. Participants’ narratives reveal a clear preference for service provider-client race concordance. Participants’ narratives also reveal cultural and communal stigma and gender socialization to be a “Strong Black Woman” as deterrents to mental health assistance seeking behaviors. Recommendations for incorporating the role that ethnocultural beliefs and values of different culturally-gendered groups regarding mental health and assistance-seeking behaviors be included in social work and allied health professions [2].

Educational Chances of Children with Disabilities in the Republic of Namibia

The main aim of this paper is to present the current situation of children with disabilities in the Republic of Namibia, with special regard to their educational chances and influence of cultural beliefs on their lives. Namibia has a law, which entitles education for all its citizens. Despite numerous legislative acts which should have increased the educational chances of Namibian children with disabilities, their real situation is completely different and depends on various factors, including the infrastructure of the schools, teacher competencies, their attitudes towards students, the small number of special and integrated schools as well as an insufficient amount of money transferred for the education of the children. The paper discusses all of the above factors and provides practical implications, which would improve the situation of children with disabilities in Namibia.

ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ АСПЕКТИ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ КОРУПЦІЇ В ЗАРУБІЖНИХ НАУКОВИХ СТУДІЯХ

The article examines scientific approaches and contexts of studying corruption as one of the most important psychological, social, economic and political problems. The article aims to determine the psychological contexts of the study of corruption as a complex multi-layered social phenomenon in foreign scientific studies; identifying its unexplored psychological variables in order to create conditions for the further development of programs for the prevention of corruption acts. The main areas of scientific analysis were: the perception of social norms and morality in the context of corrupt human behaviour, the influence of cultural beliefs and value systems, cross-cultural and gender specifics of corruption, etc. It is noted that not all societies perceive corruption in the same way. The ambiguity of the evidence of the classical interaction of power and corruption has been revealed. While some studies have indicated that involvement in power increases corrupt behaviour, others have shown that an individual's perception of power is important. It was established that perceived norms and moral costs are the main factors of a person's intention to engage in corruption-related behaviour. The perception that people around us are behaving dishonestly contributes to the further strengthening of such behaviour. Certain personality traits associated with corrupt behaviour have been identified. In particular, psychopathy, narcissism, machiavellianism, extraversion, extrinsic motivation, and low life satisfaction and self-esteem contribute to corruption. Regarding the gender of the participants, the results of the studies were mixed. It is emphasized the need to focus on situations and not on participants involved in petty corruption when forming anti-corruption measures. Rather than wishing for "more honest" officials or favouring stricter controls and fines or higher wages as solutions to corruption, the analytical results point to the importance of reducing the number of situations in which corruption is most likely to turn into corruption.

“Just fighting my way through…”: four narratives on what it means to be Black, male, and depressed

ABSTRACTLittle is known about the illness, help-seeking, and service-use experiences of Black/African American men with depression. This study presents and explores the narratives of four Black men with depression to both highlight the voice of Black/African American men in mental health research and better understand how Black/African American men understand depression, experience symptoms, and engage in help-seeking. The influence of cultural beliefs on these experiences is also discussed. A thematic analysis was performed to detect threads across experiences. Catalysts for depression episodes included loss and financial difficulties. Depression began in childhood, went unrecognized, and was managed early on through alcohol and drugs. Respondents also saw their experiences as “different” from other men. Findings from this study can inform interventions designed to improve the mental health of Black/African American men.

The interaction between donor-conceived families and their environment: parents’ perceptions of societal understanding and attitudes regarding their family-building

Disclosure issues in relation to donor conception have mainly been examined in the context of relationships and interaction within donor-conceived families, whilst influences from outside the family, for example societal ones, have been little researched. This study explored the societal experiences of individuals who build their family with the help of donor conception (i.e. donor-conceived families), specifically, where and how parents and society interact and the presence and influence of cultural beliefs and values regarding the family. Belgian (n = 89) and Swedish (n = 56) donor-conceiving parents completed an online-survey focusing on their experiences with societal perceptions and attitudes and behaviour and responses from friends, healthcare professionals and teachers. Descriptive and comparative statistical analyses were conducted. Results showed that donor-conceiving parents were challenged by societal representations, responses from friends, healthcare professionals and teachers, and cultural norms and values. Parents had to cope with lack of knowledge and understanding of donor-conceived families and colliding views on the relevance of genes in kinship. They needed to be able to explain and defend themselves, correct others and handle emotions and sensitivity when managing these interactions. Through psycho-education health-care professionals can help families anticipate potential reactions and manage societal responses by strengthening parents’ coping mechanisms. These findings also call for awareness of the presence of cultural norms and values even when counsellor and patient share the same culture because counsellor and donor-conceiving parents can relate differently to (collide or conform with them) the shared cultural norms, which can impact on parents’ experience.

Cancer-Related Stigma in South Africa: Exploring Beliefs and Experiences Among Cancer Patients and the General Public

Background: Stigma refers to a distinctive, discrediting characteristic, rendering its bearer tainted or inferior by others. Definitions of stigma acknowledge the recognition of difference; and devaluation. Evidence, largely from high-income countries suggests that cancer is a stigmatized disease. Cancer-related stigma is not well-documented in South Africa, and little is known about how it impacts health-seeking behavior, treatment adherence, quality of life and psychosocial well-being in cancer patients. Limited research has explored perceptions and cultural representations of cancer but an in-depth focus on this is lacking. This context-specific information is essential for relevant, effective intervention. Aim: This study aims to increase understanding of cancer-related stigma in South Africa and the role of cultural beliefs in contributing to this. Findings will be used to inform a larger study and ultimately, interventions to address cancer-related stigma in communities in which the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) is working. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in two provinces of South Africa, KwaZulu Natal and the Western Cape and included participants from a range of cultural and racial groups. Cancer patients over 18 years were recruited through CANSA's Service Delivery teams to participate in focus groups or one to one in depth interviews. Six focus groups and 40 in depth interviews were conducted with cancer patients. Data collection focused on understanding patient experiences of cancer stigma; cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses to this; and inputs on interventions to address this. Six focus groups were also conducted with noncancer patients recruited from local communities to explore cultural perceptions of cancer and reasons for stigmatization. Audio recordings were transcribed and translated; coded using NVivo 11; and analyzed by the authors using thematic analysis. Results: Results indicated very poor knowledge of cancer both in patients and nonpatients. Overwhelmingly, findings highlight the perception of cancer as a “death sentence”, influencing patients' experiences and responses of others in numerous ways. The influence of cultural beliefs was relevant, exacerbating stigma in some cases. The location of the cancer also played a role in determining level of stigmatization. Certain body parts (associated with masculine and feminine roles) as well as more visible cancers/side-effects were more stigmatised. Conclusion: Results indicate that stigmatization is a significant factor for cancer patients in South Africa, increasing social isolation and negatively impacting quality of life. The implications of the findings for intervention development will be discussed. Education is needed but requires a different focus for different cultural groups.

Culture, bathing and hydrotherapy in labor: An exploratory descriptive pilot study

ObjectiveThough bathing (hydrotherapy) is widely used during labor to decrease anxiety and pain and to promote relaxation, the influence of cultural beliefs about bathing by parturients is virtually unknown. This pilot study explored pregnant women's experiences of bathing, bathing in labor, and cultural beliefs about bathing. DesignAn exploratory, descriptive design. SettingLow risk obstetrical clinics. ParticipantsHealthy Hispanic, Black, White, American-Indian and Asian women (N = 41) at >37 weeks gestation. MethodsDuring a routine prenatal visit women responded to a brief openended questionnaire on the use of bathing. Data was captured using a modified ethnographic method involving observation and note taking with thematic analysis and quantification of percent response rates. FindingsForty-six percent (N = 41) of women used bathing for purposes other than hygiene but only 4.9% (N = 41) of these women bathed during a previous labor. The women described bathing as relaxing, easing, calming, and efficacious for relief of menstrual cramps and labor contractions. Ten percent of women reported cultural beliefs about bathing. ConclusionsWomen who bathe, report relief of anxiety, menstrual and labor pain and promotion of mental and physical relaxation. The findings do not support the view that bathing is associated with identifiable cultural beliefs; rather, they suggest that bathing is a self-care measure used by women. This practice is likely transmitted from generation to generation by female elders through the oral tradition. Assumptions that race or ethnicity precludes the use of bathing may be faulty. Cautionary instructions should be given to pregnant women who are <37 completed weeks of gestation, to avoid bathing for relief of cramping or contractions and to seek immediate health care evaluation. Study of culturally intact groups may uncover additional themes related to bathing in labor and as a self-care measure for dysmenorrhea.

Do public attitudes affect conservation effort? Using a questionnaire-based survey to assess perceptions, beliefs and superstitions associated with frogs in South Africa

Globally, amphibians are among the least appreciated vertebrates and are often negatively perceived by the general public. Such attitudes are particularly prevalent in South Africa, where fear, superstitions and myths associated with frogs are pervasive in some cultures. These attitudes could have harmful consequences both for the animals concerned and conservation efforts. This study aimed to investigate attitudes to frogs throughout South Africa across multiple age and ethnic groups. We used a multi-language survey in both hard-copy and online versions. Respondents (n = 2 295) comprised both genders across six age groups and five ethnic groups. A functionalist approach using structural equation modelling was used to assess how liking of frogs and cultural beliefs varied with socio-demographic factors. Attitudes varied significantly between groups, with males more likely to like frogs than females and age and level of education also significantly linked to liking. The influence of cultural beliefs and lack of knowledge also directly influenced negative attitudes towards frogs. More than 60% of respondents expressed an interest in learning more about frogs, indicating an opportunity for improving attitudes through educational outreach. The findings of this study can be used to inform current efforts to protect amphibians in South Africa through social interventions.

The influence of cultural beliefs on the utilisation of rehabilitation services in a rural South African context: Therapists' perspective.

No abstract available.

Influence of Cultural Beliefs on Infant Feeding, Postpartum and Childcare Practices among Chinese-American Mothers in New York City.

As one of the fastest growing communities in the United States, Chinese-Americans receive relatively little research attention on their rates of breastfeeding versus formula feeding, and what factors influence that choice. This research aims to examine the influence of elders and cultural beliefs on postpartum, infant feeding, and childcare practices. Semi-structured interviews with 22 recently postpartum mothers who met the recruiting criteria were conducted between July 2012 and February 2013. The traditional postpartum practice, zuo yuezi, presented negative physical and emotional outcomes and maternal reporting of delay in lactation. Early introduction of solids for traditional reasons was reported. The support from husbands and elders were necessary for breastfeeding success, while some mothers had to first negotiate with elders for breastfeeding. The practice of sending infants back to China to be taken care of by extended families presented cultural implications related to grandparents' involvement in raising grandchildren. With the respect and appreciation for elders and traditions, it is likely that Chinese mothers negotiate between cultural traditions and societal expectation in the western home.

Cultural Beliefs, Social Support and Societal Ascribed Roles as Determinants of Patients’ Perception of Illness Symptom

Given the roles of Patients' perception of illness symptom in recovery and response to treatment, this paper examines the influence of cultural beliefs, social support and roles ascribed to the patient by the society on their perception of illness symptom with the view to enhance it and obtain the associated advantages. The study was targeted at all the in-patients and out-patients of the forty-six state-owned hospitals of Oyo state in Nigeria, out of which nine hospitals were randomly selected. Fifty (50) in-patients and out-patients were selected by convenience sampling from each of the selected hospitals to participate in the study, making a total of 450 respondents. Only the responses from 370 respondents were usable as some did not complete the questionnaire properly or refused to give necessary and relevant information. The instrument for the study is a questionnaire titled questionnaire on patients perception of illness symptoms. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test chi-square analysis, multiple regression analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results show that a considerable percentage of the patients were positive in their perception of their illnesses. These perceptions do not differ between male and female patients but are different on the basis of age. Societal ascribed roles seem to influence perception of illness than both cultural beliefs and social support either combined or individually.

Love Thy Baby: Breastfeeding and Its Relation to Infant Attachment Security

A popular assumption among authors is that breastfeeding promotes a strong relationship between the mother and baby. Publications on the topic often make unsubstantiated claims about the positive effects of breastfeeding on a maternal bond with the infant or on the attachment of the infant to His/Her mother. This notion is so pervasive that mothers report improvement of their relationship with their infants, rather than health or developmental effects as their main reason for breastfeeding. A UK study by Murphy (recently reviewed by Jansen et al.) found that those intending to bottle-feed were more commonly accused of being poor mothers-an attitude likely to cause inordinate stress and guilt in those who are unable to breastfeed for whatever reason. This paper reviews the existing empirical scientif ic literature, and argues that there is not enough evidence to support the claim that breastfeeding has a significant advantage over bottle-feeding on infant attachment security, positing mediating factors such as maternal sensitivity and overall dyadic interaction quality, as well as an effect of demographic variables such as socioeconomic status and race, particularly the influence of cultural beliefs and childrearing practices on both breastfeeding initiation/duration and attachment security outcomes.

Endemic revolution: HLA Hart, custom and the constitution of the Fiji Islands

The succession of military coups and constitutional revolutions in recent Fijian history poses numerous problems, both urgent practical ones and complex theoretical ones. One set of theoretical questions concerns the issue of legal continuity and discontinuity within a particular society or legal system. Another set of such questions concerns the relationship between formal legal systems and the customs and social conventions of non-western societies. In their application to Fiji, both sets of questions are interrelated, for the lack of constitutional continuity that Fiji has experienced cannot properly be understood without appreciating the influence of cultural beliefs and practices on the operation of Fiji's constitution and legal system.There are numerous attempts in the literature to address these questions of continuity/discontinuity and of the relationship between formal and customary law. HLA Hart sought to address both sets of questions in a theoretically and descriptively integrated way. Law, for Hart, is a special kind of social rule, distinguished from mere customs and conventions because it forms part of a formal legal system, the identity of which is ascertained by reference to the ‘rule of recognition’. On Hart's account, a fully effective constitutional revolution occurs when there is the substitution of one rule of recognition for another. Hart thus has an account of legal revolution. However, it is an account that depends upon a theoretically laden description of certain discrete social practices.The succession of coups and revolutions in recent Fijian history offers an opportunity to test the applicability of these aspects of Hart's theory to a difficult case example. Like many similar countries of the South Pacific and elsewhere, Fiji has a strong set of traditional customs and mores co-existing in a complex relationship with a formal system of law. In addition, however, Fiji has undergone a series of coups and revolutions which have challenged the formal system of law and demonstrated the continuing force of the traditional sources of power within the country. Can Hart's theory account for the state of the ‘law’ in Fiji? That is the question we address in this article. In particular, we use qualitative empirical evidence from interviews with a representative sample of participants within Fijian society to test whether Hart's assumptions and analysis hold true. We find that in certain important respects they do not. We conclude, in essence, that an interesting paradox exists: that the descriptive inadequacy of Hart's theory lies in the fact that it incorporates a set of normative values about the rule of law that are not generally shared, at least in not quite the same way, by the people of Fiji.

Qualitative research on suicide in East Asia: A scoping review

BackgroundSuicide is a serious problem in East Asia. Yet, there is a significant lack of research on the topic, particularly using qualitative methodology.ObjectivesThis scoping review reports on findings drawn from 11 qualitative studies, providing up-to-date knowledge and understandings about suicide in East Asian populations.MethodsA web-based literature search was performed to identify empirical qualitative research articles addressing suicide in East Asia, published from January 2002 to December 2011.ResultsThree themes were identified within the reviewed studies; (1) influence of cultural beliefs; (2) the role of caregivers; and (3) specific sociological contexts. These themes are interrelated rather than mutually exclusive.ConclusionThe findings drawn from this scoping review reveal specific as well as broad contexts where suicidal ideation and behaviours occur among East Asians. To advance understandings, future studies should focus on comparative and longitudinal research to distil prevailing trends as well as the specificities that reside among particular East Asian subgroups (i.e. gender, sexual identity and generational) as a means to developing culturally sensitive and targeted suicide prevention programs.

‘Our community is the worst’: The influence of cultural beliefs on stigma, relationships with family and help-seeking in three ethnic communities in London

Existing knowledge about the cultural beliefs of black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in the UK regarding stigma and mental illness is limited. Data were collected in 10 focus groups, five with service users and five with laypersons, from BME communities in London. Thematic analysis identified that cultural beliefs regarding mental illness reflect four different voices present within the BME communities. The study revealed that cultural beliefs influencing both relationships with family and, consequently, help-seeking for individuals with mental illness must be considered in the development of anti-stigma interventions and when engaging communities around mental health.

Abstract A33: African American men's perceptions of the informed decision-making process for prostate cancer screening: Implications for design and development

Abstract Introduction: Although prostate cancer mortality rates are on the decline, rates in African American men remain more than twice as high as those in white men. Men at risk for prostate cancer are encouraged to utilize informed decision making (IDM) to determine the most appropriate strategy for screening and prevention. However, multiple barriers exist in the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate IDM models on prostate cancer for African American men, including mistrust of the health system, fear of cancer, and concerns about discrimination and racism. Multimedia approaches have been determined to be an effective means for the dissemination of culturally and linguistically appropriate IDM models for African Americans that minimize barriers within the community. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with African American men in the Tampa Bay area to determine core elements for the design of a video-based patient decision aid for prostate cancer screening. Lay health advisors from the community recruited African American men to participate in this formative research. The inclusion criteria were: African American men; aged 40 to 70 years; and no diagnosis of prostate cancer or any other type of cancer. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a combination of content analysis and the constant comparison method with Atlas.ti software. Results: A total of 18 African American men, ranging in age from 41 to 65 years, were recruited (mean age=48.5 years). Overall, men had limited knowledge regarding prostate cancer, and slightly more than one-third (38.9%) of the men had previously been screened for prostate cancer. Multiple themes emerged through the conduct of focus groups, including the influence of cultural beliefs in screening, the need for more information on risk and protective factors for prostate cancer, the involvement of spouses and family members in decision-making, and the importance of culturally-appropriate educators, advocates, and role models. Conclusions: Overall, there is a lack of information regarding prostate cancer among African American men. Cultural perceptions and beliefs play a critical role in the determination of screening practices in this community. Patient decision aids on prostate cancer for African American men require the utilization of African American health professionals and peers as purveyors of information. Furthermore, messaging should be tailored for African American men, as well as their spouses and families, to aid in the determination of appropriate prevention and screening strategies. These findings will assist in the design and development of culturally and linguistically appropriate educational resources and interventions on prostate cancer for the African American community. Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2011;20(10 Suppl):A33.

Living with Sugar: Influence of Cultural Beliefs on Type 2 Diabetes Self-Management of English-Speaking Afro-Caribbean Women

Studies show that cultural beliefs influence disease conceptualization, adaption, and coping strategies of chronic diseases. This study investigated the type 2 diabetes cultural belief model of English-speaking Afro-Caribbean women in southwest Florida. A 53 item cultural consensus beliefs questionnaire was designed and administered to 30 Afro-Caribbean women diabetics. Cultural consensus analysis found that these women shared a single cultural belief model about type 2 diabetes, .72 ± .081 SD. Women with higher cultural knowledge scores (r(s) = -.41730, P = .0218) were significantly younger at type 2 diabetes diagnosis than women with lower scores. In qualitative interviews, women described ongoing struggles to modify their traditional Caribbean diet and believed in the efficaciousness of traditional Caribbean medicine and prayer to treat type 2 diabetes. These findings suggest that health practitioners treating English-speaking Afro-Caribbean diabetics should offer culturally appropriate nutritional guidance and inquire about their use of traditional Caribbean medicines.

Abstract B16: The influence of cultural beliefs on breast cancer risk factor knowledge of women in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract Background and Significance: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in Ghana, West Africa. Previous studies of breast cancer among women in Ghana indicate that 70 – 80% of women who seek treatment for breast problems are diagnosed with Stage III and IV breast cancer tumors. The objectives of this study were to determine 1) the knowledge of general cancer risk factors, and 2) the knowledge of general cancer signs and symptoms among women in Kumasi, Ghana; and 3) to identify cultural factors that influence their beliefs about breast cancer risk factors. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using a questionnaire with 53 qualitative and quantitative items. Female residents (n=220) of Kumasi, Ghana where selected to participate in the study. A purposive sampling plan was designed to ensure that women with breast or cervical cancer (n = 49) where included in the study. Interviews where conducted in public areas, the Peace and Love Hospital, and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Comparative and descriptive statistics were used analyze the data. Results: Findings indicated that the respondents' cancer risk factor knowledge was relatively low (mean score 2.91; range 0 – 5) and the difference in the cancer risk factor knowledge scores of women with various levels of education was not statistically significantly different. The overall knowledge of cancer signs and symptoms was also low (mean score 2.19; range 0 –6). In addition, cultural beliefs had an influence on women's beliefs about the risk factors for breast cancer e.g. 10.9% of respondents indicated that money in the bra causes breast cancer. Conclusions: There is a wide-spread lack of accurate knowledge of general cancer risk factors and cancer signs and symptoms. There is a need for a mass breast cancer education intervention. Inaccurate cultural beliefs must be addressed to correct misconceptions about the causes of breast cancer. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):B16.

Gender Issues In Well-Being Of Yoruba Retirees In Osun State, Nigeria

The problem of well-being and non-utilisation of retirees in the socio-economic development of Nigeria generally, is mainly a result of dearth of indigenous research works, especially on gender issues. Retirees have always been assumed to be homogeneous, both in experiences and needs and recommendations from such works have been deficient. This study, therefore, had two objectives: one, to appraise the influence of cultural beliefs and practices in gender relations on well-being of Yoruba retirees in Osun State and two, to provide data which would stimulate further research on the potential use of retirees for developmental purpose instead of remaining as dependants for the rest of life. The study relied on primary data obtained from 954 retirees through the use of semi-structured questionnaire. Findings revealed areas of similarity and divergence of needs among the retirees and the conclusion that is drawn is that the gender-based work policy on expectation of needs is useful only when it promotes equity between males and females.