Filipino Culture, Values, and Practices in Healthcare PDF

COMMUNITY HEALTH 02 T...

COMMUNITY HEALTH 02 T NRCM0104–LEC E R AGUILAR NURSING I (LEC) M TOPIC 8: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO HEALTH CARE OF INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY FAMILY SOLIDARITY COMMUNICATION STYLE Intergenerational solidarity refers to the degree of Filipinos will try to express their opinions and idea closeness and support between different diplomatically and with humility to avoid generations. appearing arrogant. The notion of solidarity helps us to understand The tone of voice varies widely by language, how people of different generations relate to, help dialect, and region. and depend on one another in their daily lives. When speaking to those who are older or of higher status, Filipinos tend to use polite forms of DIMENSIONS OF SOLIDARITY IN speech. INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY RELATIONS At the end of phrases, sentences, or questions, STRUCTURAL SOLIDARITY they will say ‘po’ to demonstrate this respect for This means how factors like geographical hierarchy. distance can constrain or enhance interaction For example, when conversing with an elder or between family members. someone of higher status, one will say ‘salamat po’ (‘thank you po’). ASSOCIATION SOLIDARITY This dimension refers to the frequency of social PACE OF CONVERSATION contact and shared activities between family Filipinos often communicate indirectly in order to members. prevent a loss of face and evoking hiya on either side of an exchange. AFFECTUAL SOLIDARITY They tend to avoid interrupting others and are Solidarity can manifest itself in feelings of more attentive to posture, expression and tone of emotional closeness, affirmation, and intimacy voice to draw meaning. between family members. Allow brief periods of silence or pauses in the conversation to enable the patient to process CONSENSUAL SOLIDARITY information. Family members have different levels of actual or perceived agreement in opinions, values, and PHYSICAL DISTANCE lifestyle. When interacting with people they are familiar with, Filipinos tend to prefer standing at an arm’s FUNCTIONAL SOLIDARITY length from one another. Exchanges of practical and financial assistance Around strangers this distance is farther. and support between family members are Maintain a reasonable personal space of 1 to 2 examples of functional solidarity. feet. Take height into consideration. NORMATIVE SOLIDARITY A seated position for interaction is highly It refers to the strength of obligation felt towards recommended. other family members. HELPING OTHERS AND GRATITUDE FILIPINO FAMILY VALUES PAKIKISAMA COMMUNICATION It has the connotation of getting along with people Use of therapeutic communication techniques, in general. identifying verbal and non-verbal cues, There is a general yearning to be accepted and responding to clients needs while using formal well-liked among Filipinos. and informal channels of communication and This applies to one and his or her: appropriate information technology. o Friends o Colleagues o Boss o Even relatives MAGNO 1  TOPIC 8: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO HEALTH CARE OF INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY This desire is what steers one to perform Additionally, through studying and engaging in “pakikisama.” new activities, they learn to rely less on their The word “pakikisama” literally translates to parents and make decisions based on their likes “helping others.” and dislikes. Therefore, this trait usually fosters general cooperation and performing good or helpful ADOLESCENCE deeds, which can lead to others viewing you in a During this stage, young people are developing a favorable light. sense of self and their identity (having more control of themselves and making decisions UTANG NA LOOB about aspects like education, social life, and It means to pay your debt with gratitude. career pathways). With “utang na loob,” there is usually a system of obligation. EARLY ADULTHOOD When this value is applied, it imparts a sense of Independence on this stage relies on a person’s duty and responsibility on the younger siblings to decision making and is responsible for it (moving serve and repay the favors done to them by their out of their family’s home and finding a job to pay elders. for their accommodation or maybe start a family and be responsible for their child). RESPECT The English translation of “paggalang” means to be respectful or to give respect to a person. MIDDLE ADULTHOOD Filipinos are accustomed to using the words “po,” Adults in this stage usually have more time to “opo,” and “ho” when they are conversing with enjoy and live their interests or career. older people or, sometimes, with those who are in However, for some, this stage is where they work a high role or a prestigious member of society. longer as they are now the main provider or carer Using these words is customary in the for their elderly parents and family. Philippines, and it shows a sign of respect if you do so. LATER ADULTHOOD “Paggalang” can also be shown toward your In this stage, changes in physical and mental elders by kissing their hands before leaving/to health can influence and reduce independence, say goodbye and upon arrival/to greet them. these include the state of the individual’s health, The younger members of the family can show culture, and stage of emotional or social respect toward older siblings by calling them development. kuya (older brother) or ate (older sister). IMPORTANCE OF INDEPENDENCE INDEPENDENCE a) It boosts your self-confidence and self-esteem. The ability of a person to make their own choices b) It decreases the burn you place on family, friends and carry out daily tasks independently and it is and society. also important for healthy development. c) It turns you into an asset to help other people. This begins at birth and continues through the d) It leads to financial freedom as you are skilled and person’s lifespan. capable. e) It makes you physically capable of caring for DEVELOPMENT OF INDEPENDENCE THROUGH THE yourself and others. LIFE STAGES f) It fills you with a sense of joy and happiness that INFANCY can come from no other source. g) It sets you up for further progress and self- Infants are dependent on their caregivers for all sufficiency. types of care but as they start to prepare for early childhood, they have developed skills and SERVICE abilities that they feel confident such as feeding or This is an act of helping or doing work for saying “No” when they want to do something on someone (assistance). their own. In a hospital, healthcare professionals provide us their services when we are in our vulnerable state EARLY CHILDHOOD to attain well-being. In this stage, a child will develop skills to become more independent like going to the toilet independently. MAGNO 2  TOPIC 8: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO HEALTH CARE OF INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY IMPORTANCE OF GOOD QUALITY SERVICE IN Patients should be able to feel that they are being HEALTHCARE listened to, and given information in a respectful, a) Patients will be more happy and satisfied as non-judgmental way. they’ve received exceptional care and are more likely to come back for check-ups and even refer HONESTY your facility to other people. It is expected for healthcare professionals to act b) Healthcare professionals develop lasting with honesty and integrity to maintain public trust relationships with patients rather than and uphold the reputation of the profession. approaching visits as a transaction. c) The healthcare industry depends heavily on accurate patient data to make diagnostic and CONFIDENTIALITY treatment recommendations. Errors, incomplete Healthcare professionals should respect the records and staff’s inability to access needed patients privacy and preserve their dignity data can severely impact the quality of care given because if their confidentiality was breached, it to the patient that can result in threatening may not only harm their relationship with the mistakes and malpractice lawsuits. patient but also the trust that the patient has built with them. TRUST This is a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or SHOWING RESPECT AND CARING ability of someone or something. Any cultural diversity and the right of the patients Being trustworthy in a health care setting is to hold their own values must be respected. acting consistently for the good of the patient and having high levels of judgment, confidence, and FILIPINO FAMILY CULTURE AND TRADITION skill competence. The Philippines is more commonly referred to as the melting pot of western and eastern cultures. IMPORTANCE OF TRUST IN HEALTHCARE Its culture and tradition is heavily influenced by a) Healthcare involves an element of uncertainty the traditions of the indigenous Austronesian and risk for the vulnerable patient who is reliant people. on the competence and intentions of the In addition, the cultural landscape shows the healthcare professional. influence of the people of Spanish, American, b) Patients who trust their health professionals are Japanese, Arabic, and Indonesian origin. more likely to follow treatment protocols and are The major religions of the country being more likely to succeed in their efforts to change Christianity and Islam played a significant role in behaviors. shaping the culture of the Philippines. c) It also lowers the anxiety of the patients in relation to any treatments taken. SOCIAL BELIEF AND CUSTOMS d) Patients are more likely to open-up and disclose Primarily influenced by religion and information if they trust their healthcare demographics of the region where they are professional, and the quality of interaction may practiced. improve, resulting in greater patient autonomy Based on the beliefs of the Austronesian and shared decision making. inhabitants of the Philippines. Getting rid of hiccups by placing a short thread FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE TRUST IN wet with saliva on the forehead. HEALTHCARE COMPETENCE IN KNOWLEDGE USOG Healthcare professionals gain patient’s trust by By showing fondness or affection when meeting being knowledgeable in their specific field of a baby for the first time, you may cause the baby practice and as a result, patients have confidence to feel uneasy or make the baby cry non-stop and feel secure in the advice provided to them. which is commonly referred to as “na-usog.” This is believed to cause an infant to feel unwell COMPETENCE IN SOCIAL OR either by greeting the baby or simply by being COMMUNICATION SKILLS overly fond of him or her when meeting the child for the first time. It is important for healthcare workers to learn how to communicate effectively with the patients and To avoid passing the negative energy and cure adapt their style as it can result in positive the infant of “usog,” superstition practice says outcomes of interventions. you must dab your saliva on the baby’s forehead or abdomen. MAGNO 3  TOPIC 8: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO HEALTH CARE OF INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY Often, most people would also greet the child by ST. MAXIMILLIAN KOLBE saying “pwera usog” meaning for protection from Patron Saint for Addictions. the hex. Some even make it a point to buy their child a ST. LIDWINA bracelet made from black and red or coral beads to fight “usog.” Patron Saint for Those Suffering from Chronic Pain. HITTING THE SACK RIGHT AFTER A SHOWER It is believed to cause blindness and insanity. ST. JUDE This superstition suggests that if you go straight Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes. to bed with wet hair, you might wake up blind or insane. FIESTA However, there is no firm correlation between wet Through numerous festivals, Filipinos are able to hair, loss of eyesight, and insanity, so avoiding showcase cultural diversity. sleeping with wet hair is mostly for cosmetic These festivals are locally known as “Fiesta.” reasons. All of the fiestas are of religious and cultural significance. NOT PATTING YOUR SWEAT DRY WITH A TOWEL It can cause you to get pneumonia. PATRON SAINTS HONORED THROUGH FESTIVALS Due to the predominance of the Roman Catholic WASHING SWEATY HANDS faith, most cities and towns in the country have It can lead to spasmodic hands or “pasma.” patron saints who are honored through festivals. It’s a common Filipino advice not to wash your To appease the gods—this was a key factor in hands right after finishing labor-intensive chores ancient pagan worship in the Philippines. to avoid “pasma”—the reason for shaky hands, Mystical religious beliefs before the Spaniards sweaty palms, and numbness or pain in the came centered on worshipping gods believed to hands. control certain aspects of life—livelihood, family, Often, right after ironing a handful of your health, wealth, and others. clothes, you’ll be discouraged by your mom or One such example is the feast of the Black grandmother to wet your hands. Nazarene. Similarly, it is believed that taking a bath after a workout can lead to illnesses. TRASLACION It is traditionally celebrated with a grand RELIGION AND FESTIVALS procession called Traslacion, where millions of Approximately, 90.07% of Filipino residents are devotees would jostle their way to touch the identified as Christians with 80.58% of them being carriage carrying the venerated statue as they Roman Catholic and about 11% being other believe doing so could bring: Christian denominations, Islam is the second o Healing largest religion in the country with about 5.6% of o Answer prayers the citizens. o Lead to miracles Majority of these Muslim Filipinos are Sunni Muslims and a small number of Ahmadiyya MUSIC AND DANCE Muslims. Traditional folk songs are inspired primarily Catholics believe that the prayers of the saints in indigenous customs and beliefs. heaven are powerful enough to alleviate or heal illnesses. OBANDO FERTILITY DANCE The Obando Fertility Dance is a festival where PATRON SAINTS FOR HEALING couples who hope to be blessed by children There are several patron saints for healing perform street dances in a long procession. namely: The Fertility Dance of Obando is both a festival and a prayerful appeal for devotees. ST. DYMPHNA The month of May has always been the season for Patron Saint of Depression and Mental Illness. the Fertility Dance. Initially, the native childless couples dance in ST. PEREGRINE front of idols to request that they would soon have Patron Saint of Cancer Healing. children. MAGNO 4  TOPIC 8: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO HEALTH CARE OF INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY When the Spanish took over, they convinced the AMULETS AND TALISMANS natives that they can keep the Fertility Dance but In the Philippines, specially made amulets or would instead dance in front of images of saints talismans are believed to protect the wearer from instead of idols. bullets and knife wounds. That is why military men and policemen, CUISINE including: Influenced by local and foreign cultures. o Some officers o Wear amulets RICE o Talismans o Anting-anting Rice is the staple meal in the country and usually prepared through steaming and served together with other foods. “KONTRA–USOG” One such example is an amulet called “kontra- PANCIT usog.” Usually a combination of seeds and dried plant Pancit is as crucial to each Filipino feast as rice is material, wrapped in red cloth with or without a to every complete Filipino meal. cross outside. It is a fixture at many significant milestones such It is a kind of juvenile amulet, pinned to the shirt as weddings, baptisms, graduations, and most especially during birthdays, where their of a child for protection. inherently Chinese symbolism as edible harbingers of a long life (provided you don’t cut HEALTH PRACTICES the noodles before you eat them) are frequently Studies of health practice among Filipino invoked. Americans suggests that people originally from rural areas in the Philippines are more CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES knowledgeable regarding home remedies, MARIA CLARA traditional healing techniques, and supernatural ailments, whereas those in the urban areas rely Maria Clara is the traditional dress of the Filipino more on Western medical intervention and over- women. the-counter drugs. This attire gets its name from a famous character However, in both rural and urban areas, there named Maria Clara in the epic 19th Century exists a variety of indigenous folk practices and narrative “Noli Me Tangere” written by Jose P. modern health care systems which are Rizal. simultaneously utilized. It is made up of four components: SELF–MEDICATION SAYA Among the traditional forms of self-medication A long dress are certain Chinese ointments or oils which serve as a remedy or a cure in: TAPIS - Relaxing A knee-long skirt - Heating - Comforting aching muscles CAMISA - Providing relief for dizziness - Colds A collarless chemise - Headaches - Sore throats PANUELO Includes folk healing techniques consistent with A stiff scarf the Chinese hot/cold classification system of diseases and concept of wind illness. BARONG TAGALOG Barong Tagalog is traditionally worn by men VENTOSA during special occasions. One example is ventosa, a technique used for It is also known as Baro. treating joint pains believed to be caused by the Barong Tagalog features a formal long shirt presence of bad air. decorated with embroidery. This technique consists of wrapping a coin with cotton, wetting the tip with alcohol, lighting it, and MAGNO 5  TOPIC 8: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO HEALTH CARE OF INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY placing the coin on the aching joint area, then the sign of the cross on the forehead, on each immediately covering it with a small glass or cup. eye, and on the chin of the person. The fire is then soon extinguished as it is covered, If certain body parts need healing, they will be creating a vacuum that will suck bad air out of the directly anointed. joint. The person, in turn, typically attests to the sense. Warmth or flow of energy that seems to enter his USE OF HERBS AND ROOTS, FAITH HEALERS or her body and provides instant well-being. More serious illnesses typically warrant seeking These healing techniques are enhanced by the help of a local healer who may utilize herbs ritualized prayer, chanting, and the creation of an and roots. atmosphere that reinforces the individual’s faith. Although healers are presumed to possess a During healing sessions, the faith healer, for God given gift, their relative popularity and example, typically wears a white dress of soft, prestige in the community depends a great deal flowing material, creating an ephemeral quality, on their interpersonal relationships with their white (worn by the Virgin Mary) is the symbol of patients. purity and is associated with environmental People in rural areas are accustomed to friendly ghosts and spirits. and accommodating folk healers and expect the same treatment from physicians. PSYCHIC SURGERY If these expectations are not met, they avoid It involves the painless insertion of the healer’s Western health centers or switch doctors. fingers into the individual’s body, removal of Moreover, when healers are viewed with trust and tissues, tumors, growths, or foreign matter, and respect, they often are expected to perform closing the incision without a scar. instantaneous healing. Numerous Western scientists have investigated If there is no immediate improvement in an illness tales of miracle cure produced by psychic or related symptoms, individuals may change surgeons and found evidence of fakery; however, doctors. they also have reportedly witnessed incredible These healers include: feats of healing. o Midwives As the spiritual element is of importance, o Masseurs practitioners may ask questions that are origin o Specialists for supernaturally caused oriented, such as why the patient believes they ailments were injured, and counsel them on spiritual Although these types of healers each have native matters related to the event of origin. labels, there is no traditional word for faith Faith healers also sense energies, auras, and healers, the newest and increasingly popular passed figures who may have been related to the genre of Philippine folk healers. patient. Faith healers do not attempt to identify or Despite the introduction of Christianity in the 16th diagnose a disease, which is in contrast to the century, indigenous healing methods maintained traditional concern for identifying the cause of an integration with spirituality. illness (which could presumably be supernatural). Their orientation is holistic and uniform and HILOT incorporates the belief in concurrent physical, The art and science of the ancient Filipino healing emotional, and spiritual healing. traditions that are grounded on the concept of Regardless of the individual’s specific affliction, balance among the physical elements along with the same techniques are employed. the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a In a regular session, the faith healer’s techniques person. include blessing the body with holy water, laying This practice includes the use of manipulations on of the hands, and anointing with oil. and massages that help in the prevention of The technique of laying on of the hands is a very disease and the restoration and maintenance of important aspect of faith healing and is practiced one’s health and well-being. by several other groups such as the Pentecostal Charismatics and the Cuban-American santeros. MANGHIHILOT In laying on hands, it appears as though the healer Hilot also makes use of medicinal plants and is attempting to transfer the healing energy from bulong/orasyon (whispered or written prayers) is his or her hands to the individual’s body through performed by a person called Manghihilot who is the forehead. able to not only heal but also identify illnesses The healer also anoints the individual by wetting through reading areas of energy imbalances in his or her fingers with consecrated oil and making MAGNO 6  TOPIC 8: FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES, AND PRACTICES IN RELATION TO HEALTH CARE OF INDIVIDUAL AND FAMILY the body the knowledge of the hilot is something It is then placed on glowing embers, removed that is passed down through generations. when it starts to crack, then transferred to a small Manghihilot undergoes extensive training in receptacle of water. order to master the art of healing. As it cools, its softened form spreads on the water A session with a manghihilot usually depends on surface and assumes a shape that may suggest what it is that’s making one feel uncomfortable. the cause of the illness, often one of several The manghihilot starts off by feeling the pulse, indigenous forces: and through this then decides what needs to be o Dwarfs done in order to alleviate one’s symptoms. o Devils After that, the manghihilot feels around the body o Other evil spirits (na-nuno, na-kulam, na- for areas where they feel energy could be trapped demonyo) and massages the areas in order to decongest The water in the vehicle is then used to anoint the them. ailing part or parts of the body to counteract the evil forces or illness. TUOB / SUOB (STEAM INHALATION) The tawas is then discarded and thrown It is a part of Filipino culture and traditional health westward, preferably into the setting sun. practices and is one of the most extensively utilized home treatments for relieving colds HERBALISM AND PLANT MEDICINE symptoms as part of primary health care The Philippines is home to 10,000 to 14,000 plant practice. species. It has been shown in scientific studies to be While 1,500 of them contain potential medicinal useful in reducing cold symptoms and improving value, only 120 have been scientifically validated. nasal patency. The Philippine Department of Health endorsed Done by inhaling steam from boiling water from 8- just 10 medicinal plants that can be used in: 12 inches away with a towel draped over one’s o Herbal teas head. o Tinctures The procedure is done for at least 2-5 minutes. o Fluid extracts Benefits of tuob include: o Poultices (vegetable fat mixtures) o Detoxification o Tablets o Cleansing the skin o Supplements o Muscle relaxation o Powders o Increasing body metabolism o Creams o Boosting the immune system o Essential oils o Keeping mucous membranes from drying o Relieving comfort from asthma, allergies, and ALBULARYO arthritis An albularyo is a practitioner who uses a combination of modalities similar to a shaman: TAWAS - Herbalism Tawas is an abstract form of communication - Prayers whereas the practitioner of Tawas gather - Incantations information from the subject utilizing tools such - Mysticism as paper, water, candle, oils and others to observe and analyze form and symbols. It is a indigenous art of Divination and Diagnosis practiced by rural folks to determine the cause of illness. It is used in the purview of the albularyo for: o A variety of febrile conditions o A child’s incessant crying o Failure to thrive The TAWAS is used to ‘cross’ (sign of the cross) the forehead and other suspicious or ailing parts of the body while prayers are being whispered (bulong). MAGNO 7