Unique Beliefs Research Articles

Utilisation of Healthcare Services and Medicines by Pakistani Migrants Residing in High Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis.

Migration, as a global phenomenon, gives rise to many challenges for healthcare professionals providing care to migrant populations. Migrants originating from diverse cultural backgrounds have unique beliefs and healthcare needs, and their utilisation of healthcare services and medicines is influenced by a number of factors. This review aims to assess the factors influencing the utilisation of healthcare services and medicines among Pakistani migrants residing in high income countries. The databases searched included PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, and IPA. Of the 2566 publications initially obtained, 37 met the inclusion criteria. They included eight countries-the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Australia, United Arab Emirates and Cyprus. Eight descriptive themes emerged and two analytical constructs were established, as a result of thematic synthesis of included publications. The profile of utilisation of healthcare services and medicines among Pakistani migrants was multifaceted and influenced by their individual circumstances (socioeconomic characteristics; personal beliefs, preferences, and experiences; individual culture and religion; family and friends; and language and communication), and host country characteristics (work environment; healthcare organisation, access and affordability; and health professionals' education, practices, and preferences). Awareness of population-specific characteristics of migrant communities is important to promote and implement culturally appropriate healthcare practices and service provision.

Examining links between posttraumatic stress and gambling motives: The role of positive gambling expectancies.

Problem gambling and gambling disorder (GD) are associated with a range of mental health concerns that extend beyond gambling behaviors alone. Prior works have consistently linked gambling disorder with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), both cross-sectionally and over time. However, very little work has examined the specific relationships between these 2 disorders. The present work postulated that symptoms of PTSD are likely associated with unique beliefs about gambling behaviors and unique motivations to gamble. Using 2 samples-an inpatient sample of U.S. Armed Forces veterans (N = 332) seeking treatment for GD and a Web-sample of gambling adults (N = 589)-we examined these ideas. Results from both samples indicated that symptoms of PTSD were related to positive gambling expectancies and coping motivations for gambling. Additionally, in both samples, positive gambling expectancies were associated with greater coping motivations for gambling. Structural equation models revealed that positive gambling expectancies were consistently associated with coping motivations for gambling. The findings indicate that symptoms of PTSD are likely associated with unique beliefs about and motivations for gambling behaviors. Given the high comorbidity between symptoms of PTSD and GD, these specific relationships are likely of clinical interest in populations seeking treatment for either PTSD or for problems with gambling behaviors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Religion-specific resources for meaning-making from suffering: defining the territory

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this review paper is to present a case for more proximal and emic approaches to the study of religious meaning-making in suffering. Meaning-making is an important way in which religion and spirituality contribute to adjustment in the context of encountering difficult life events. However, much of the available research on religious meaning-making ignores the contributions of specific religions to the meaning-making process. We begin by presenting a rationale for more sustained attention to religion-specific resources for meaning-making in suffering. Using Park’s meaning-making model as the organising framework, we then articulate how religions contribute unique global beliefs, situational beliefs, meaning-making processes, and valued outcomes to meaning-making. We illustrate these using existing research. Next, we suggest a refinement to Park’s model, offering a preliminary recursive model involving these identified components. We conclude with a brief prospectus informed by our model for future research.

Open-air defecation: A qualitative approach

Introduction: India is facing a challenge in controlling open-air defecation (OAD). There are various sociocultural and behavioral factors that influenced the practice. Objective: To study the attitude, behavior, and practice associated with OAD among individuals in Samayapuram area, Trichy district, Tamil Nadu. Methodology: This was a qualitative study done during August 2016. The topic guide comprised questions about OAD and latrines. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted among various groups and individuals. Results: The study population comprised people of different age groups and gender residing in Samayapuram, Trichy District, Tamil Nadu. Five FGDs were conducted among field workers, adult males, adult females, and school children (both males and females). Ten IDIs were conducted among school children, adults, the elderly, a medical officer, an executive officer, a sanitary inspector, and a sanitary worker. The study showed that people prefer OAD over latrine for the following reasons: economical, habit, comfort, space constraints, opportunity to be combined with walking, smoking and chatting with friends, ventilation, and easy accessibility. They did not prefer community latrines for maintenance constraints such as water scarcity, cleanliness, and distance. Conclusion: The issue of OAD can be addressed only by strong and continuous motivation of individuals and groups. Any intervention to reduce OAD should aim at exploring the unique beliefs, culture, common factors, etc., for it to be effective. The intervention should be highly multidimensional with a special focus on behavior, engineering, and legislation.

A Culturally Tailored Intervention for Promoting Breast Cancer Screening Among Women From Faith-Based Communities in Israel: A Randomized Controlled Study

Lower rates of screening for early detection of cancer were reported among ethnic minorities and faith-based communities. The purpose of the article is to assess the effect of a culturally based intervention program intended to increase breast cancer screening adherence among two groups in Israel: ultra-Orthodox Jewish and Arab women. Using a randomized controlled study design, 598 participants completed the 3-month follow-up questionnaire regarding adherence to screening and perceived effect of intervention. Results show that having a lower level of religious beliefs and gaining a better understanding of the importance of screenings were significant predictors of performing breast awareness practice (BAP) and undergoing clinical breast examination (CBE) in both groups. We conclude that interventions should be specifically tailored to cultural groups to reduce barriers stemming from unique beliefs and perceptions, which prevent individuals in these groups from undergoing screening. Special efforts should be made to increase CBE among young women.

Beliefs about hypertension among Nigerian immigrants to the United Kingdom: A qualitative study.

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to elicit beliefs about hypertension among Nigerian immigrants in the United Kingdom.BackgroundThe distributions of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases are not shared equally across ethnic and economic groups in the United Kingdom. Its burden is more clustered among minority ethnic populations and migrant groups including black African Nigerian migrants. Similar patterns have been reported across Europe, Australia, Canada, Nordic countries and the United States of America. There are about 300 distinct ethnic groups in Nigeria and reliable information about their beliefs about hypertension is not available. Given that the United Kingdom has a large community of Nigerian immigrants from these different ethno-cultural backgrounds, understanding their unique beliefs about hypertension may help promote appropriate care for this population in the United Kingdom and Nigeria.SettingA single Pentecostal church community in West LondonParticipantsTwenty-seven Nigerian migrant members of the church entered and completed the studyMethods and outcome measureA qualitative interview study was conducted. The interviews were analysed using thematic framework analysis. The outcome measures were emerging themes from the thematic framework analysis.ResultsParticipants expressed beliefs in four major areas related to hypertension: (1) The Meaning of the term hypertension, (2) Perceptions of causation, (3) Effects of hypertension, and (4) Perceptions of treatment. The study revealed a diversity of beliefs about hypertension which incorporated both orthodox and culturally framed ideas.ConclusionsThis study identified important beliefs among Nigerian migrants about hypertension that can contribute to our understanding of the management of hypertension in this group and suggests the need for further research to determine whether these beliefs may be representative of this group.

Abstract SY14-04: Cancer health disparities in American Indian and Alaskan Native populations

Abstract SY14-04: Cancer health disparities in American Indian and Alaskan Native populations

Identifying Health Beliefs Influencing Hispanic College Men's Willingness to Vaccinate against HPV

ABSTRACTThis study identifies health beliefs influencing Hispanic college men's human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake decision making processes. Hispanic college men were interviewed about their HPV vaccine knowledge, and information seeking behaviors. Overall, participants did not view HPV infection or vaccination as an immediate concern or priority; belief that it was a virus that only affected women, and a sense of invulnerability informed their positions. Despite these issues, most men were willing to consider getting the HPV vaccine if they received more education from health care providers, and cost concerns were addressed. These findings pointed to gaps in our understandings of Hispanic college men's HPV vaccination beliefs and provided insight into the importance of integrating this population's unique beliefs into campus health providers efforts aimed at increasing vaccination rates.

Challenging Traditional Views of Followership: A Multi-perspective Approach

For decades, followers have been conceptualized singularly as “passive” beings with little focus on the unique beliefs, characteristics, or behaviors of followers. This symposium attempts to demons...

China's Other Medical Systems: Recognizing Uyghur, Tibetan, and Mongolian Traditional Medicines.

Background:Traditional Chinese medicine, as it is understood and adopted by those with a growing interest in complementary and alternative practices to biomedicine, is often used as an umbrella term for traditional medical practices from regions within and bordering the People's Republic of China. However, there are multiple distinct medical traditions in China, including that of the Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians.Objective:It is important to recognize the commonalities and differences of these unique systems of medicine practiced by the 3 different cultures among China's borders.Methods:Through an in-depth analysis of the individual beliefs and theories that form the foundation of each system, we trace the origins of the concepts that were synthesized into the Uyghur, Tibetan, and Mongolian medical systems. Furthermore, we compare diagnostic techniques and contrast treatment modalities among the 3 systems.Discussion:We discuss humoral theory, constitution theory, elemental theory, organ theory, and yin and yang theory. We find that imbalance is the common cause of disease or illness, but the conditions and external factors that explain such imbalances differ among the Uyghur, Tibetan, and Mongolian systems. Through these comparisons, we seek to highlight the unique beliefs, practices, and treatments utilized by these cultures.Conclusion:The features and attributes, while not exclusive to each population, are nonetheless uniquely synthesized by each system and thus demonstrate the distinct nature of Uyghur, Tibetan, and Mongolian medical systems.

A debate on the professional identity of occupational therapists

IntroductionThe issue of occupational therapy’s professional identity has been debated for many years and continues today. Lack of clarity has resulted in occupational therapists’ perceptions of holding a low status and of colleague and public misunderstanding.MethodA range of international literature was reviewed. Inductive analysis elicited two major themes – reasons for issues with identity and the consequences of issues with identity. The development of communities of practice is discussed.ResultsThe analysis of the causes and consequences of issues with professional identity was used to suggest how the profession might become a mature community of practice. Lack of deep knowledge of the profession’s unique beliefs was shown to cause inconsistent messages about its identity. Consequently, practitioners believed they were undervalued. Understanding, owning and reinforcing an occupational paradigm were seen as vital elements for creating professional communities of practice.ConclusionTo function as a community of practice requires occupational therapists to use a range of strategies that reinforce their unique occupation-based practice. Where all members commit to a single set of values and beliefs this can afford a unique identity, reinforced by the ability to demonstrate and articulate this through a clear, single message.

Perspectives on Evolution and Climate Change Among Mennonites in Kansas, USA

The theory of evolution and the idea of climate change are aspects of mainstream science that are not accepted by a large fraction of the United States population. Many persons in the United States subscribe to Young Earth Creationism and also deny the existence of climate change. Suspicion toward science is dangerous for the long-term viability of the United States economy and public health, and thus understanding the roots of suspicion toward science is useful toward improving science education. The Mennonite religion, although part of the wider Evangelicalism of the United States, has some unique beliefs, traditions, and its own educational institutions. It is a relatively powerful demographic in Kansas. This study compared younger and older Mennonite Church USA (MCUSA) denomination members from south central Kansas to each other and to the United States population as a whole. We found that MCUSA Generation Y (18–33 year olds) was more accepting of the theory of evolution than both older Mennonites and...

A theoretical approach to segmenting children’s walking behaviour

Purpose – This paper aims to extend research applying the principle of market segmentation to gain insight into changing the physical activity behaviour of children, particularly their walk to/from school behaviour. It further examined the utility of employing theory, specifically the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), for this purpose. Childhood obesity is a leading public health concern globally. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey was conducted with 512 caregivers of primary school children. Caregivers were targeted given their control over children’s walk to/from school behaviour. Two-step cluster analysis, based on 14 geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural variables, was used to investigate groupings within the data set. Findings – The analysis revealed three distinct segments of caregivers, each with unique beliefs about their children walking to/from school: short-distance frequent walkers, middle-distance sporadic walkers and long-distance non-walkers. Four variables were found to be highly important in distinguishing these segments: distance to school, current walk to/from school behaviour, subjective norms and intentions to increase their child’s walk to school behaviour. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates the usefulness of behavioural, geographic and psychographic variables, as measured by the TPB, in distinguishing segments, offering an important contrast to prior segmentation studies emphasising demographic variables. This result provides empirical evidence of the value of using the four segmentation bases, extending beyond a demographic focus, and the importance of incorporating behavioural theory in market segmentation. In so doing, this research provides key insights into changing children’s walking behaviour.

Understanding Health Beliefs and Practices in the Cultural Context: Chinese-Born Immigrant Women in the United States

Culturally relevant health beliefs about health, health promotion, and health care practice among Chinese-born immigrant women in the United States were investigated using an ethnographic approach. A convenience sample of 15 Chinese-born immigrant women was recruited and a total of 21 interviews and 22 participant observations were completed. Findings indicate that, these women’s health beliefs were highly influenced by the traditional Chinese culture; however, their beliefs were also significantly shaped by the immigration. Although sharing beliefs with the other immigrant groups, these women have their unique health beliefs and practices, relevant to the Chinese culture. Findings also indicate that socializing with friends can be an important mechanism through which the Chinese community influences these women’s health belief and practice. Culturally competent and community based interventions should be developed to promote these immigrant women’s use of health care services.

The Rungus Longhouse of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo – A Dying Architecture

The Rungus tribal group can be found in the northeast corner of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, farming the land mostly on agricultural products in small scale plantations. Their longhouses, facing extinction, are dual-purpose dwellings, constructed entirely of traditional materials utilising small split timbers lashed with rattan for the frame, palm fronds for the thatched roof, split bamboo for the floor and tree bark of hewn wood for the compartment walls. Each family has its own separate quarters off a common hall for socialising and community work. Village life is usually communal and the village is the major political unit based on the cultural traditions. Strongly related to the spirit of the place, the ‘rice spirit’, in particular, figures prominently in the Rungus people’s beliefs and practices in controlling the spirits and the people’s daily life. Unfortunately, all of these unique beliefs seem to have disappeared through time, thus requiring proper documentation of the longhouses. The objectives gear towards analysing the architectural values and investigating cultural understanding associated with the longhouses. Most importantly, the issue of how the Rungus people relate to the environment is studied through the tangible and intangible cultural aspects of the people. The research utilises the observation technique, interviews with the residents, visual data collection and measured drawings of five longhouses as the processes to document data. The paper instigates an investigation into the conformity of the Rungus people of their place in the environment to perpetuate their lifestyle in a land that is surrounded by nature.

A qualitative study exploring women’s beliefs about physical activity after stillbirth

BackgroundResearch provides strong evidence for improvements in depressive symptoms as a result of physical activity participation in many populations including pregnant and post-partum women. Little is known about how women who have experienced stillbirth (defined as fetal death at 20 or more weeks of gestation) feel about physical activity or use physical activity following this experience. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore women’s beliefs about physical activity following a stillbirth.MethodsThis was an exploratory qualitative research study. Participants were English-speaking women between the ages of 19 and 44 years who experienced a stillbirth in the past year from their recruitment date. Interviews were conducted over the phone or in-person based on participants’ preferences and location of residence and approximately 30–45 minutes in length.ResultsTwenty-four women participated in the study (M age = 33 ± 3.68 years; M time since stillbirth = 6.33 ± 3.06 months). Women’s beliefs about physical activity after stillbirth were coded into the following major themes: barriers to physical activity (emotional symptoms and lack of motivation, tired, lack of time, guilt, letting go of a pregnant body, and seeing other babies), benefits to physical activity (feeling better emotionally/mentally, helping women to cope or be therapeutic), importance of physical activity (working through grief, time for self), motivators for physical activity (body shape/weight, health, more children, be a role model, already an exerciser). Health care providers and their role in physical activity participation was also a major theme.ConclusionsThis is the first study to qualitatively explore beliefs about physical activity in women after a stillbirth. Women who have experienced stillbirth have unique beliefs about physical activity related to their experience with stillbirth. Findings from this study may help to improve the health and quality of life for women who have experienced stillbirth by utilizing physical activity as a strategy for improving depressive symptoms associated with experiencing a stillbirth. Future research in this area is highly warranted.

Abstract A20: Using intervention mapping to plan a breast health promotion program for African immigrant women: A proposal.

Abstract Breast cancer among African women is described as aggressive and progressive in nature. In fact, many African women who have breast cancer are pre-menopausal. Like their African-American counterparts, African women also suffer from early onset of breast cancer with most cases occurring when they are younger than 50 years old. Although annual mammography screening is recognized as effective in reducing breast cancer-related morbidity and mortality, women of African descent are less likely to have mammography screenings, though they are at higher risk for getting the disease relative to other racial and ethnic groups. They are also more likely to present for treatment with late stage tumors. Coupled with the above-described similarities between African American women and African immigrant women are unique cultural characteristics that shape these women's migration experiences in relation to breast health. Unfortunately, it is difficult to delineate epidemiological data between these two groups given that both groups are subsumed under the same broad category of “African-American”. As African immigrant women continue to maintain its current position as one of the fastest growing populations in this country, it will become more paramount to advance the science around behavioral and environmental factors driving these women's decisions about their health, specifically how to tailor effective breast cancer prevention strategies for this population. The purpose of this research endeavor was to design a comprehensive breast health promotion program for African immigrant women in Houston, Texas using Intervention Mapping. Step 1, needs assessment, revealed low knowledge and exposure to Breast Health Information; shame, secrecy, stigma regarding breast health discourse; diverse explanations and treatments for breast cancer; access-related barriers; unique cultural factors and spiritual beliefs about breast cancer; and concerns regarding privacy and trust in healthcare settings. The Health Belief Model, Social Cognitive Theory and Social Support were found as the most salient theoretical underpinnings for this endeavor. Steps 2 through 6 of the Intervention Mapping approach yielded a comprehensive, community-based, culturally-appropriate breast health promotion for African immigrant women with a rigorous evaluation plan titled, “Get Screened, Be Whole, Stay Well”. In summary, Intervention Mapping was useful in systematically planning a theory-based, comprehensive program for African immigrant women in Houston, Texas. Program planners can employ the Intervention Mapping approach to prioritize the health needs of underserved populations; target theoretical determinants for behavioral change; and identify effective methods, strategies and delivery channels for engendering sustainable behavioral change in cancer prevention. This iterative process also allows for collaboration with diverse stakeholders; it promotes transparency in the planning process for all parties involved; and tends to yield a more culturally appropriate program for the target population. Citation Format: Ebun O. Odeneye. Using intervention mapping to plan a breast health promotion program for African immigrant women: A proposal. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A20.

Cultural Practices and Beliefs of Indigenous People in Dumingag, Zamboanga Del Sur

This study was conducted to determine the demographic characteristics, culture practices and beliefs of Subanen people in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. Triangulation method was utilized using direct participatory observational approach, informal or indepth interview and a focus group discussion. The study found out that majority of the Subanens’ educational attainment are elementary level, and farming is their source of income. Most of their houses were made of light materials. Subanens had several instruments and dances which are played and performed during gatherings and special occasions. They ate vegetables, root crops, and aquatic foods to survive. They served/offered Pangasi (native wine) during ceremonial celebrations, gatherings and rituals. Their special skill was making of native products. The Gukom or Timuay was the highly respected leader of the tribal group and was empowered to lead ceremonies and mediate or settle tribal problems and disputes. The Shaman (Suruhano) was also respected because of his capability to cure illness. He could see and talk with the supernatural beings. Subanens manifested many differences in terms of rituals and ceremonial celebrations. They had unique beliefs that were originated from their ancestors and had been preserved for a long time. Keywords - Cultural practices and beliefs, indigenous people, Subanen, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur

What Does it Mean to be Prosocial? A Cross-Ethnic Study of Parental Beliefs

This study explored parental beliefs surrounding prosocial behaviours and the parenting practices that promote them. A total of 47 mothers of young adolescents participated in one of the seven focus groups, three of which were conducted in Spanish with first-generation Mexican-American immigrants, two were conducted in English among second generation (US-born) Mexican Americans, and two were conducted with European Americans. Responses were coded using elements of the grounded theory approach, and results indicate patterns of shared and unique beliefs about prosocial behaviours in ways that reflect the sociocultural context and acculturative experiences of the respondents. Findings suggest that beliefs about prosocial behaviours and parenting are culturally-structured and dynamic—changing to reflect the experiences and developmental landscape of parents and children.

Examining Barriers to and Motivations for Substance Abuse Treatment Among Pregnant Women: Does Urban-Rural Residence Matter?

Barriers to entering and motivations for substance abuse treatment were examined among rural and urban pregnant women. All pregnant women entering inpatient detoxification at the University of Kentucky Medical Center were approached about participating in a study on health and well-being. One hundred fourteen (N = 114) pregnant women voluntarily participated. Treatment barriers and motivators were measured with open-ended questions. The Treatment Attitude Profile quantitatively measured motivation. Both groups reported approximately two treatment barriers. Top treatment motivators were pregnancy (65.8%), needing help (23.7%), family (18.4%), and being tired of the lifestyle (16.7%). Overall, Treatment Attitude Profile scores were fairly high (Mean = 74.3, SD = 10.7), representing motivation for treatment. Multivariate analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between treatment motivation and gestational age (β = −0.233; p = 0.012), and a positive relationship between treatment motivation and reporting an acceptability barrier (e.g., denial, stigma) (β = 0.202; p = 0.024). Few between group differences existed in barriers and treatment motivation. Individuals residing in rural areas have unique beliefs, social ties, attitudes, and financial hardships. Research about the role of these factors in treatment access and motivation could be used to minimize treatment barriers.