Implications of cultural patterns on health
Introduction
Communities have distinguishable characteristics that make them different from the rest of the society around the world. Such cultural patterns are transferred from one generation to another for a very long period of time. According to Edberg (2013), every society across the world, has unique cultural practices as well as belief. However, some beliefs and practices are rewards to some members of that community, and a punishment to the rest of the community members. Such beliefs and practices include; female genital mutilation, early marriages and some religion practices and beliefs (Edberg 2013).
Female genital mutilation is the removal of the female most sensitive part (Gele & Sundby 2013).It is a traditional practice that is perpetuated in some societies around the world to mark the end of the female childhood. The communities believe that, the (FGM) will control promiscuity in women. However, it imposes a catalogue of health implications and several physical problems on the female child. Gele & Sundby (2013) argue that, among the health implications are sever pains during the operation, development of keloid and may cause infertility if infected due to unhygienic environment in which the operation is carried. Sever loss of blood may lead to anemia and sometimes death.
Early marriages
Some communities believe that women are meant for child bearing and dowry gaining. Such communities will give away their girls at the age of 11 to 13 in exchange of specified property. At this tender age, girls are required to start producing children for their husbands. Therefore, early marriage will deprive the girl child of a precious time to enjoy her life and develop physically in preparation for proper marriages. It is a mental torture to the child as she is removed from her parent’s home where she is used, to another alien home (Gele & Sundby 2013).
Religion differences
Religious practices, may affect human health in various ways. Prolonged fasting in Islamic belief (Ramadan), May cause complications in the control of medical conditions such as diabetes (Martinez, Gudiño & Lau 2013). However, this will only apply to the extremists because Muslim belief will allow believers to take medicines if they are sick. On the other hand, Jehovah witness believes that they should not donate blood to anybody because it contains life in it. Meaning that, they cannot give blood to a patient who is at point of death even when their only blood group matches.
References
Edberg, M. C. (2013). Essentials of health, culture, and diversity: Understanding people, reducing disparities. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Gele, A. A., Bø, B. P., & Sundby, J. (2013). Attitudes toward female circumcision among men and women in two districts in Somalia: is it time to rethink our eradication strategy in Somalia?. Obstetrics and gynecology international, 2013.
Martinez, J. I., Gudiño, O. G., & Lau, A. S. (2013). Problem-specific racial/ethnic disparities in pathways from maltreatment exposure to specialty mental health service use for youth in child welfare. Child maltreatment, 18(2), 98-107.
