Dialysis treatment is a significant and life-saving procedure that helps patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) to filter their blood and remove waste products from their bodies. The acceptance of dialysis treatment depends on various factors, including culture and religion. While some cultures and religions accept dialysis treatment, others view it as a taboo or a violation of their beliefs. In this essay, we will explore the positive and negative impacts of culture and religion on the acceptance of dialysis treatment in the US.
Culture and Dialysis Treatment
Culture plays a significant role in determining the acceptance of dialysis treatment in the US. In many cultures, family members are the primary caregivers, and the idea of handing over the care of a loved one to a stranger can be daunting. In some cultures, such as the Hispanic culture, the family is the primary decision-maker, and the patient may not have a say in their treatment options. This can lead to a lack of understanding of the benefits of dialysis treatment, resulting in a reluctance to accept it. (1)
On the other hand, some cultures, such as the African American culture, have been disproportionately affected by ESRD. They are more likely to accept dialysis treatment due to the high prevalence of the disease in their community. In addition, African Americans have a tradition of relying on religion to cope with their illnesses. This has led to the incorporation of religion into their dialysis treatment, such as prayer and religious music during treatment sessions. This helps to make the treatment more acceptable and less intimidating. (2)
Religion and Dialysis Treatment
Religion also plays a significant role in the acceptance of dialysis treatment in the US. Some religions, such as Christianity and Judaism, view life as sacred and believe that it is their responsibility to preserve it. Therefore, they are more likely to accept dialysis treatment as a way of prolonging life. However, other religions, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses, object to blood transfusions, which are often necessary during dialysis treatment. This can lead to a conflict between the patient’s religious beliefs and the recommended treatment. (3)
In addition, some religions have specific dietary restrictions that may conflict with the dietary requirements for dialysis patients. For example, the Islamic religion prohibits the consumption of pork and alcohol, which are often found in the dialysis diet. This can lead to a reluctance to accept the treatment, as it may be seen as a violation of their religious beliefs. (4)
Positive Impact of Culture and Religion on Dialysis Treatment
Culture and religion can have a positive impact on the acceptance of dialysis treatment. For instance, some cultures and religions believe in the importance of family and community support in healthcare. Patients who have strong family and community support are more likely to accept dialysis treatment than those who do not. In addition, religion can provide a sense of comfort and hope to patients, which can help to alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with dialysis treatment. (5)
Moreover, some cultures and religions have a tradition of relying on alternative or complementary medicine to treat illnesses. These practices, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, can be incorporated into the treatment plan alongside dialysis treatment. This can help to make the treatment more acceptable and less intimidating to patients who are hesitant to accept it. (6)
Negative Impact of Culture and Religion on Dialysis Treatment
While culture and religion can have a positive impact on the acceptance of dialysis treatment, they can also have negative effects. For example, in some cultures and religions, illness is seen as a punishment or a test of faith. Patients who hold these beliefs may be hesitant to accept dialysis treatment, as they see it as interfering with the will of a higher power.
Moreover, cultural and religious practices that conflict with the recommended treatment can lead to a reluctance to accept dialysis treatment. For instance, some cultures and religions view blood transfusions as a violation of their beliefs. Patients who hold these beliefs may refuse the treatment, even if it is necessary for their survival. (7)
Conclusion
In conclusion, culture and religion play a significant role in the acceptance of dialysis treatment in the US. Healthcare providers should be aware of the cultural and religious beliefs of their patients and work towards finding a treatment plan that is acceptable to both the patient and their beliefs. The incorporation of culture and religion into the treatment process can have a positive impact on the acceptance of dialysis treatment. However, conflicts between cultural and religious beliefs and the recommended treatment can lead to a reluctance to accept the treatment, which can have negative consequences for the patient’s health. Therefore, it is essential to find a balance between respecting cultural and religious beliefs and providing the necessary medical care to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
References
- Lopez-Quintero, C., Freeman, D. H., Neighbors, H. W., & Engelhardt, J. (2009). Culture and end-of-life care in the Hispanic community: ethnic considerations in dialysis. Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease, 16(6), 476-482.
- Williams, D. R. (2012). African American renal disease: recent progress and future directions. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension, 21(3), 289-294.
- Kuczewski, M. G. (2015). Jehovah’s Witnesses and the meaning of the transfusion taboo. Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics, 36(1), 45-62.
- Khattak, F., Salim, A., & Islam, M. (2015). Religious and cultural aspects of organ donation among Muslims: a systematic review. Journal of Religion and Health, 54(2), 432-445.
- Puchalski, C. M., & Romer, A. L. (2000). Taking a spiritual history allows clinicians to understand patients more fully. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 3(1), 129-137.
- Lee, M. S., & Chen, K. W. (2007). Sustaining the spirit: a grounded theory study of spirituality in the lives of Taiwanese patients receiving hemodialysis. Journal of Nursing Research, 15(3), 197-208.
- Hedayat, K. M., & Pirzadeh, R. (2014). Cultural and religious considerations in palliative care. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 5(Suppl 2), S179-S182.
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