How religion & culture affect spirituality Adapted from: 1. Weber, J., & Kelly, J., (2007).

Health Assessment in Nursing, 3rd. Edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.) 2. Dillon, P., (2007). Nursing Health Assessment: A Critical Thinking, Case Studies Approach. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company Religion Buddhism Culture Malaysian Chinese: - Cantonese - Hokkien - Teochew - Hakka Others ethnicity Spiritual beliefs / meaning of life or sources of strength / healthcare practices Overview Illness End of life Nutrition Suffering is a part of Prayer and meditation are Life is the opportunity Many are strict human existence, but the used for cleansing and to cultivate vegetarians. inward death of self and healing. understanding, senses leads to a state compassion, and joy for Some holy days beyond suffering and Terminal illness may be self and others. include fasting from existence. seen as a unique dawn to dusk but opportunity to reflect on Death is associated with considerations are lifes ultimate meaning rebirth. allowed for frail and and the meaning of ones elderly for whom relation with the world. Serene surroundings are fasting could create important to the dignity problems. Therefore, it is important of dying. that medication does not interfere with consciousness. Nirvana (oneness with God) is the primary purpose of the religion. Many have an altar in their home for worship. Illness is the result of past and current life actions (Karma). The right hand is seen as holy, and eating and intervention needs to be with the right hand to promote clean healing. Death marks a passage because the soul has no beginning or end. At death the soul may be reborn as another person and ones Karma is carried forward. May but not all are vegetarian. Many holy days include fasting.

Hinduism

Malaysian Indian: - Tamil - Malayalees - Sindhis Others ethnicity

Religion Hinduism

Culture Malaysian Indian: - Tamil - Malayalees - Sindhis Others ethnicity

Spiritual beliefs / meaning of life or sources of strength / healthcare practices Overview Illness End of life Nutrition It is important for Karma to leave this life with as little negativity as possible to insure a better life next birth. Holy water and basil leaves may be placed on the body; sacred threads may be tied around wrist or neck. The deceased arm should be strengthened.

Islam

Malaysian Malays Other ethnicity

Mohammed is believed to be the greatest of all prophets. Worship occurs in a mosque. Prayers occurs 5 times a day. Prayers are done facing east toward the sacred place in Mecca - Kiblat and often occur on a prayer rug with ritual washing of hands, face and feet prior prayer.

Allah is in control of the beginning and end of life, and expressions of powerless are rare. To question or ask questions of healthcare providers is considered a sign of mistrust so pts and family are less likely to ask questions

All outcomes, whether death or healing, are seen as predetermined by Allah. It is important for dying pts to face east and die facing east. Prayer is offered but need not be done by an Imam (religious leader)

Consumption of pork or alcohol is prohibited. Other meats must meet ritual requirements Halal. During the holy days of Ramadhan neither food nor drink is taken between sunrise and sunset, though frail, ill and young children are exempt.

Religion Islam

Culture Malaysian Malays Other ethnicity

Spiritual beliefs / meaning of life or sources of strength / healthcare practices Overview Illness End of life Nutrition Women are to be modest and are not to view men, other than their husbands, naked. Beliefs focus around the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and view Jesus Christ as the Saviour. Most view illness as a natural process for the body and even as a testing of faith. There is belief in miracles, especially through prayer. Western medicine is usually held in high regard. No special or universal food beliefs are common to Christians religions, although there may be regional or cultural beliefs.

Christianity

A mixture of ethnicity

Others may see illness as a Prayers may be directed curse brought on by living to one or all the Holy outside the laws of God Trinity (God, Holy Spirit, and, therefore, retribution and Jesus Christ). for personal evil. Beliefs usually culturally developed vary within denominations.