CULTURAL BELIEFS ON DISEASE CAUSATION IN THE

PHILIPPINES

competency. It is the understanding that a cultural divide
Cultural awareness is a prerequisite prior to achieving cultural
exists between the patient and health professional.

NAMAMANA
NAMAMALIGNO

It is believed that if a relative has the ailment, he or

A belief that a disease is caused by a supernatural or
she will pass on the characteristic to the next mystical being's intervention. It is used to explain
generation.
diseases that are still a mystery due to the lack of an
obvious cause.

Cultural beliefs A kapre is a dark giant who likes to smoke huge rolls
of cigars and hide within and atop large trees such
LIHI
on disease as old acacia and mango trees.

causation in the

Like namamana, lihi is a concept used to

Philippines
PASMA
explain whysome children are noted to
have certain specific characteris-tics.

It is loosely characterized as an
It is still debatable as to whether lihí can be classified "exposure disease" that
and established as either a biological or psychological arises when a "hot" condition Is
condition or a purely social and cultural one. assaulted by a "cool"
Element and vice versa

SUMPA
Sumpa is a curse inflicted by a person when one
performs heinous things to another who is capable
of imposing a curse. It has been linked to the
development of cancer.
those in lower socio-economic order
may use sumpa as a tool to balance the
playing field- “to get even.”
GABA
When a person commits a social
transgression, it is a curse from a higher
KALOOB NG DIYOS
authority. It's similar to the concept of
When a Filipino person encounters an unexpected incident in their terrible karma.
life, whether pleasant or negative, it is usually attributed to God's
grace. Kaloob ng diyos is a nearly universal explanation for illness
etiology.
This highlights the Filipino value of religiosity and faith to a
higher being, as someone who is all-knowing and almighty.

Assess whether the beliefs & Role of the nurse appropriate in

practices posted a negative or dealing w/ the beliefs &
positive impact on health practices
I beleive that health extent of an individual’s continuing Evaluating the importance of client culture and ethnicity in care
physical, emotional, mental, and social ability to cope with his planning, delivery, and evaluation
Recognizing cultural issues that may affect a client's understanding and
or her environment and many forms of diseases. Cultural acceptance of a psychiatric diagnosis
health beliefs impact how individuals comprehend regarding Incorporating the client's cultural practices and beliefs when planning
their health and medical conditions, when and from whom and providing care
Respect for the client's cultural background and practices
they seek health care, and how they would adapt to lifestyle Using appropriate interpreters to assist in client understanding
modifications, therapeutic interventions, and treatment

adherence suggestions.
Nurses must be sympathetic to one another and respect the patient's

religious tradition or spiritual beliefs and priorities when they provide

In some cases, it may occasionally be a barrier from consulting care.
medical assistance because they believe they cannot be cured
by doctors and other health interventions. Due to beliefs like Nursing is a profession that is concerned with the well-being of others.
God's gift, (kaloob ng Diyos) they believe that simply praying to Caring entails feeling empathy for and making connections with others.
I highly believe that caring is best expressed by a nurse's capacity to
God about their ailment and condition would heal them.
exemplify the five basic principles of professional nursing, which are
human dignity, integrity, autonomy, altruism, and social justice. It might
Lastly, It is not suggested that people seek treatment from a be frightening to navigate your patients' diverse cultural and religious
traditional folk healer or albularyo. It could also have an demands. You may inadvertently upset your patient or their family by
impact on their understanding of their illness, how they make failing to understand a critical cultural tradition, or you may observe
medical care and treatment decisions, and how they manage something that contradicts your personal values or principles.
with the disease. However, beliefs and habits can help to
Therefore, sensitive cultural care is more than just the odd contact with
improve diagnosis and treatment consultations. We create a a foreigner in the hospital or the care provided to someone of a
sense of belonging, personal and cognitive growth, and the different religion. It is the outcome of the realization that everyone is
ability to understand and relate to one another through our part of a distinct subculture based on beliefs and customs, as well as
culture. Health and wellbeing, self-esteem, skill development, the careful thought and space provided to each and every patient.
social capital, and economic return are all direct advantages of Through careful awareness, acceptance, and questioning, the
conscientious nurse may affirm, respect, and nurture all patients.
a robust and dynamic culture in the Philippines.
references: B A S A D A
(PDF) Cultural beliefs on disease causation in the Philippines: challenge and implications in genetic counseling (researchgate.net)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4964299/
alexandra
BSN2B