The Effect Of Religious Beliefs On The Health Of Patients

Religious beliefs

Religion and language that unite some people are also the factors that cause division among them. This is because there are different language and religious beliefs. Aside division among people, language and religion have effects on the health of the people, especially in Africa. This post is about the effect of religion on the health of the people.

It is not only patient religious beliefs that affects the health of the patient. The religious beliefs of health care workers also have some effects. Let us discuss both.

Effects Of Religion Beliefs On Health Care Worker

Religious beliefs have a strong hold on people. It affects their key decision including treatment option by health care workers. Some of the beliefs are the standard belief from some religious groups while others are personal beliefs that are coined from religious ideas. Picture the scenario below.

An emergency Paramedic that was instructed to transport a married woman to an abortion clinic decline citing religious beliefs that conflict with the plan abortion. In another case, a physician turns away from a homosexual patient. Some even prevent counselling their patient on the proper use of contraception all for some religious beliefs. The very common one in Nigeria is prescribing some religious activities or referral to religious centers for spiritual cleansing.

Read Also: The Process Of Obtaining Treatment In A Nigerian Government Hospital

Because of certain religious beliefs, some medical personnel do not pay attention when some procedures are being taught in school. They believe they will never use it since it is against their belief.

Some health care providers take an oath of service. These oaths are binding since it was not under compulsion or force. Due to religious sentiments, these oaths may be ignored.

Some of these practices are not very common in Nigeria. There are still evidence that they occur on a low scale. The solution to such is not far fetched.

What Can Health Workers And Patients Do

The medical personnel should discuss with superior authority what s/he can do and cannot do due to religious beliefs or sentiment after employment. Another employed staff can easily handle this. Denying referring a treatment option medical personnel do not want to treat is very bad.

However, there is a very important point to note. There are certain times the life of a patient may be at risk and the only option is a medical procedure that may not be good in the eyes of a medical personnel. If it turns out that s/he is the only available person at that time, it puts the patient’s life in danger.

As for the patient, ask your personal doctor on what s/he can or cannot handle due to religious beliefs beforehand is very good. Ask any medical personnel if they can handle any medical process during a consultation.

Patients beliefs

Effect Of Religious Beliefs On The Patient

Some studies have shown that religious groups are more healthy than social groups but other studies claimed otherwise. Those that claim religious groups are more healthy cited cases of group work like building hospitals for the sick. On the other hand, those whose studies claimed that social groups are more healthy said the reasons could be because of the openness of the people to public health.

When illness strike, religious persons tend to read so many meaning to it. Believe in the negative supernatural working against them will make them feel the disease is spiritual and feel that there is no need for any physical means of treatment. Even if they visit the hospital for treatment, any treatment option most likely will not work due to their psychology. This increase the risk of dying.

Religious beliefs include things like those ills of the flesh can be healed through some religious activities such as prayer and faith in God for Christians. Faith healing, laying of hands, healing from a person with the gift of healing etc. can all lead to failure to seek medical interception or reduce medication adherence. As popular as they seem, there is no scientific proof of these healing and yet, it is not cheaper as patients pay for these spiritual services.

According to the Center Of Research, People of faith do not have a better medical outcome but seems to feel a better sense of well-being than non-spiritual patients even if ill or terminal.

Read Also: Drug Information Patient Should Know In Their Patient Information Leaflet

Another problem is that due to some religious beliefs, patients decline medical intervention. To some, accepting a medical process is an indication of lack of faith in a supreme being that can cure such ailments without medical intervention.

Another problem is some religious activities may be dangerous to health. This includes circumcision etc.

How Doctors Can Handle Patients Beliefs

It is very proper for a Medical Doctor (M.D) or any other medical personnel to do a proper medical diagnosis by asking patients on how comfortable they are with a medical procedure by explaining the procedure. When a patient ought out of the treatment option, it is proper for the MD to revise other options with the patient and if s/he can handle the other option or refer when necessary.

It is important to consider refereeing a religious patient to the counselling unit. If a decision is made, respect the belief.

Share On Social Media With Family And Friends To Show You Care!