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Exploring Health Beliefs and Determinant of health

Name: Sharon Taylor
Student #: 822-734-778
College: Humber College
Course: NURS 160
Professor: Mary McGory
Date: October,8 2013

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Exploring Health Beliefs and Determinants of Health

Introduction
The purpose of this assignment is to discuss my personal and cultural beliefs using selfreflection and the determinants of health. Health has been defined by the World Health
Organization (WHO) as a state of complete, physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In order to improve ones health status, it is important
to recognize some of the factors that affect health; the determinants of health. There are many
determinants that may influence health, for example, culture, income, education environment and
social support. However, the focus of this assignment is to discuss the social supports and the
living and working condition as determinants of health. Secondly, this assignment will discuss
and explain my cultural beliefs and the effects of health, Strategies that may be used to improve
my health and will also have a comparison of my cultural beliefs to that of a classmate.
Definition
Over the years people usually consider themselves healthy as long as they were free from
illnesses or diseases. Today, health is affected by many determinants and therefore has many
definitions. However my definition of health is a state of being that includes physical fitness,
mental, and social stability and spiritual beliefs. Jensen and Allen defined health as an objective
process characterized by functional stability, balance and integrity.(as cited in potter and
Perry,2010, p. 2.) The World Health Organization has defined health as a complete physical,
mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Both the WHO
definition and mine are similar and therefore could both be considered as part of my health

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beliefs. I believe that these components of health are very important and should be taken very
seriously. These components work together to create a complete healthy individual and can be
identified in their behavioral patterns. The behavior patterns can then be observed to determine if
there is a missing health component and will also determine if the particular individual is at risk
to any health hazard.
Current Health Beliefs
Caring for ones health is really important and everything should be done to maintain,
improve and manage health. There are many determinants that may influence health but the two
that influenced my health practices are my living and working conditions and social support. A
healthy living and working conditions includes my income, and education.
My income is essential because it helps to make living more comfortable. I have
recognized that the poorer set of people is likely to suffer from stress, high blood pressure and
other illnesses. Thus, having a proper income will improve ones state of health.
Education also plays a very important role in contributing to good health. It assists
greatly in accessing information about health issues, health services, health benefits and possible
treatments. An individual that is educated is more equipped to look after themselves and their
family at large.
In addition to the other determinant is our social support. Human beings are very
sociable, therefore, having relationships with other people are very important to health. Social
relationships provides social support whether social emotional, or physical. These relationships
have contributed positively to my health by giving me a sense of belonging and increased selfesteem which is both important to a healthy life.

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Cultural Beliefs
There are many different cultures and as such many different beliefs. These culture and
cultural beliefs has greatly influenced my health. My culture African American; focuses on
family, Christian religion and the use of spices, herbs and different kinds of plants for medicinal
purposes.
Family members are highly respected and are greatly depended on for many different
roles. For example, when a family member becomes ill a particular member of family is chosen
to be the doctor. This member is usually consulted for any health related or medical advice. We
also believe in the use of herbs, spices and plants for cure specific disease and illnesses.
Consequently, religion plays a very big roll of support for African Americans. We believe
that we should all pray to God at all times for healing from whatever illnesses or medical
condition we experience.
Furthermore, the use of spices, herbs and plants is always the number one remedy for all
ailments; visiting a doctor is the last resort. These cultural beliefs have affected my attitude
towards medical care and the ability to understand, cope and manage any form of illnesses. It
also interferes with my real meaning of a diagnosis and the importance of medical treatment. My
culture has really influenced my beliefs in decision making on health and health related issues.
Also been more educated on the determinants of health and their effects has improved my
personal health practices. Furthermore, the improvement of my coping skills has helped me in
preventing diseases and improves self-care. I have learned in my studies how to cope with
challenges, solve problems and make good choices towards health. I have also included a social
support system which has greatly improved my health practices.

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Personal Health Practices

The strategies that I have used to improve my personal health are learning to manage my
personal lifestyle which has helped me to focus on promoting health fitness. Also been more
educated on the determinants of health and their effects has improved my personal health
practices. Furthermore, the improvement of my coping skills has helped me in preventing
diseases and improves self-care. I have also learned in my studies how to cope with and solve
problems and make good choices towards health. I have also included a social support system
which has greatly improved my health practices.
Compare \contrast health beliefs with 1 other classmates health beliefs
Even though there are many different cultural beliefs and practices, there are some
similarities when compared with other cultures. For example, my culture when compared to that
of a Philippines; I have found that there are similarities in the medicinal practices. Philippines
also uses herbs and special plants in caring for diseases. They are individuals who often selfdiagnose and self-medicate. They totally ignore medical health mainly because of affordability.
The difference between the Philippines and African American is that instead of using members of
the family for health and medical advice they believe in using a special chiropractor called the
Manghihilot. The Manghilot is defined by Stewart as a practitioner or the practice of
chiropractor manipulation and massage for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoligamentous
and musculoskeletal ailments ( as cited by Ordenez & Gandeza, 2004,p.25) Another difference
is our religious beliefs. Philippines have many different religious backgrounds and religious
practices, for example, Islam, Buddhism, Hindu and Catholic, while, the African American
believe in one high spiritual being, God.

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Analysis of how nursing practice is influenced by comparative learning

I have learned, after comparing my beliefs with that of the Philippines that each
individual is different. Each has their own cultural and spiritual beliefs, however, as a nurse one
have to be respectful of each other. My nursing practice will not be impacted in a negative way;
rather, this comparison is an eye opener to the different kind of individuals and situation that I
will encounter in my field of work. However, being respectful to each individual background,
cultural, and otherwise is key to a good nursing practice. The Management of my personal
lifestyle has helped me to focus on promoting health fitness.
Conclusion
Finally, being healthy is very essential to everyone regardless of their definitions.
Therefore, knowing your own health and cultural beliefs in addition to the determinant factors of
health will greatly assist in promoting a good healthy lifestyle. Also respecting each individual
cultural and spiritual belief is important for good nursing practices. In addition, to achieve a state
of physical, mental and social state of being it is important to seek knowledge which will help to
make not just a healthy you but a healthy family.