NURS-103 [2 Exploring Health Beliefs and Determinants of Health Student: Raymond Robles Student Number: NO0360071 é Date Submitted: October 21*, 2014 NURS 103: Practical Nursing Theory 1 21d Humber College North CampusNURS-103 12 Introduction to Exploring Health Beliefs and Determinants of Health The definition of health differentiates from one individual to another. Health focuses on the entire well-being of a person. Each individual possesses certain beliefs, factors and experiences that alter their perspective on health care and health care practices. Culture and Individual Health Practices are two factors that can affect a person’s health and conceptualization of health. In this self-reflection assignment, I will expand on the definition of health supported by Labonte and why I believe this definition best fits my personal health beliefs. Secondly, I will be focusing on two determinants that influence my view on health and health practices. Finally, I will compare my health beliefs with the beliefs of @ peer and focus on why understanding and respecting other people’s concept of health is important in the health care industry. ‘The Definition of Health ‘My personal definition of health can be summed up in one word. Happiness. I believe that a person’s view on their own life and situation reflects how healthy they truly are. For ‘example, a father who is dying of cancer may be affraid and lonely, therefore unhealthy. Having his family surround him during his time of struggle may help form his outlook and feelings towards his difficult situation. The father may be physically ill, but the love and support he feels from his family strengthens his well-being, The well-being of an individual is positively or negatively affected by certain factors that allow him or her to be happy or unhappy. These factors differentiate from one person to another and contribute to how healthy they truly are. ‘The definition of health identified in class that best fits my personal definition is the conceptualization of health developed by Labonte. Labonte’s concept of health divides well-ae re NURS-103 13 being into three dimensions of health mentioned in the World Health Organization (WHO). Mental, physical, and social aspects are the dimensions in which a person’s health is measured. Vitality and energy, control, purpose, community, positive relationships, and the ability to do enjoyable things are the focus of the three mentioned dimensions. (Potter, Perry, Ross-Kerr, Wood, Astle, Duggleby, 2013, p. 3). a Labonte’s definition of health best fits my definition of health because both mention several factors that determine a person’s health and well-being. The six points mentioned in Labonte’s concept all play a role in developing one’s physical, mental and social needs. I believe that when a person’s physical, mental, and/or social needs are met, they attain a level of happiness and ultimately, are healthy because they are satisfied with their situation. If one’s physical dimension is not fully fulfilled, they are still able to reach a degree of happiness or well- being because the other aspects of their life are healthy. M Determinants of Health The two determinants of health I chose for my self-reflection are my social support networks and my culture. My health beliefs are starting to change as I mature and as I pursue a career in the health industry. Not too long ago, I believed that health was important but health care was only necessary when it came to serious injuries or illnesses. | used to never take the time for physical examinations or dental care, Whenever I injured myself through sports or whenever I felt ill, I would never have taken the time to go to the doctor. Nowadays, I regret my stubbornness. I believe if I had taken better care of myself than, J would be in better shape and healthier overall.nema a La et te NURS-103 14 Now, | believe in taking care of my well-being because other people depend on me. If T were to continue my lack of health care, eventually, I will not be able to do the things I need to do in order to provide for myself and my loved ones. In this situation, I believe social support networks and culture are the biggest determinants, ‘The reason why I chose these two determinants are because it heavily influenced my decision to approach health in a new way. 1 decided to transform my approach to health from reckless to educated and caring because it was important to the people around me. The social support network determinant consists of an individual, family, or group that supports and enhances a person's health and view of health. L According to Potter, Perry, Ross-Kerr, Wood, Astle, Duggleby (2013), “Social support assists coping and behavioral changes and can help individuals solve problems and maintain a sense of mastery and control over their lives.” (p.7) Having my loved ones support me helps me in two ways. It helps me become healthier and motivates me to take advantage of health care when necessary. This shows that social support networks are a large determinant in how I view heath today. I believe if it wasn’t for their encouragement and support, I would still be neglecting my health. « Culture also plays an important role as to why I have improved my health and my view of health. In my family, I was the youngest of five. My sister and I, unlike the rest of the family, ‘were born and raised in Canada. The rest of my family came to Canada from the Philippines in 1988. The health care system in the Philippines is not as great or accessible as it is here in Canada. When I was younger, I did not recognize this due to the fact that I was Canadian-born. ‘Now that I am older, I have leamed not to take Canada’s health care system for granted.NURS-103 [5 Comparing Health Beliefs ‘As stated earlier, T am Canadian-Filipino. My parents are both from the Philippines. In my experience, most Fi inos are very hard working, caring, and family oriented. I believe because of this, I have developed a strong foundation that allows me to cope with stress, injury and illness. I am Roman Catholic and I consider myself to be a man of faith. I attend church on Sundays and practices the Sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church. Religion has influenced my thoughts on health care in many ways. For example, I resort to prayer when I am facing hardship or giving thanks. Prayer is considered a very strong practice in my religion. When a family member or a loved one faces illness, injury or death, prayer is used in attempt to heal, or to pray for one’s soul as it makes its way into life after death, My Peer is second generation Canadian, with Ukrainian grandparents. Her father did not take care of his health and is currently ill. She highly values mental health because she once suffered through depression. My peer highly values health because she was influenced by the oor health decisions her father made, My peer is Catholic but does not consider herself to be very religious. She believes in a higher power in which she can turn to stay mentally healthy. In comparison, my peer and I are both Canadian born but are still affected from the culture of our parents and grandparents. We both have seen hardship but our experiences are different. Both my peer and I share the same religion, however I am more of an active religious Catholic. While she does not practice much of the religion, she believes in God, and resorts to her faith for mental strengthening. I use prayer to praise and thank God and to ask Him for strength in times of need.NURS-103 16 After reflecting on the comparison between my cultural/ethnical/religious/and spiritual aspects in regards to health care to that of my peer, it provides insight as to why comparing her background to my background is important. Understanding that she came from a different lifestyle and has had different experiences compared to mine are important for me to remember. I understand that my way of dealing with stress and health are different compared to that of my pec Ayo « bthte cleeger ? wd Results from Comparative Learning and Conclusion After the comparative learning, I have learned many things in regards to nursing care practice. Comparing my culture and religion to that of my peer has expanded my knowledge and understanding of how my experience will be in the health care industry. Not everyone will share the same cultures, religions, values, views, and practices. My job as a nurse requires me to establish a therapeutic relationship with my clients to work towards a common goal of improving their health. While working towards this common goal, I have to remember to respect every individual's culture, religion, and view. This is not only limited to the clients, but also to the client’s family, community, and health care team. As a Canadian-Filipino, I cannot just focus more attention on those with the same background as me, nor can I encourage a client to pray if he/she does not share the same religion. Finally, if a client wishes to perform any ritual or practice based on their religion, I should do my best to accommodate them as long as it brings no harm to others. Respecting and understanding others background is essential to becoming a great nurse.Kefereaces Puner, PA, Perry. AG, Kine-Kerr, 3G, Wonsd, MJ, Antic. HJ. DugyletsW( Pomdsmentals of mursing (S* Egcue) Canada Minby (vais 13) C cratic