FILIPINO CULTURE, VALUES AND PRACTICES IN CARE OF GROUP OF CLIENTS

WITH LIFE-THREATENING CONDITIONS, ACUTELY ILL / MULTI-ORGAN PROBLEMS,

HIGH ACUITY AND EMERGENCY SITUATION
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NCM 118 Care of Clients with Life-Threatening Conditions, Acutely Ill/Multi-Organ Problems, High Acuity and Emergency Situation LEC
Filipino Culture, Values, and Practices in Care of Group
of Clients with Life-threatening Conditions, Acutely ill,
High Acuity and Emergency
Behaviors the way in which one acts or
conducts oneself, especially toward others
Beliefs an acceptance that a statement is true
or that something exists
Culture the arts and other manifestations of
human intellectual achievement regarded
collectively
Practices the actual application or use of an
idea, belief, or method, as opposed to theories of social contact & shared activities
relating to it. between family members
Values the regard that something is held to
Affectual solidarity: Solidarity can
deserve; the importance, worth, or usefulness manifest itself in feelings of
of something emotional closeness, affirmation,
and intimacy between family
CULTURE members.
Consensual solidarity: Family
A way of life, a totality of who we are, and is members have different levels of
passed from one direction to the next. actual or perceived agreement in
Includes beliefs, values, customs, practices, how opinions, values, and lifestyles.
we socialize, treat for families, seek, and help Functional solidarity: Exchanges of
others practical and financial assistance
A. FAMILY SOLIDARITY and support between family
Intergenerational solidarity refers to the members.
degree of closeness and support between Normative solidarity: Refers to the
different generations. The notion of solidarity strength of obligation felt towards
helps us to understand how people of different other family members.
generations relate to, help and depend on one
another in their daily lives.
The core meaning of solidarity is the B. FILIPINO FAMILY
perception of mutual obligation between the
members of a community
o Manifestation of solidarity and fams
are different
An important moral element of solidarity as
expressed in families is the need for
recognition of family caregivers, not only of
their concrete practical efforts, but also of their
own identity as caregivers and as individuals.
Article XV, Section 1 of the Constitution of the
Philippines Why is family important in the Philippines?
recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation
- Family is the foundation of social life for most
of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen
Filipinos. Observing one
its solidarity and actively promote its total
responsibilities is important to correctly respect
others & to ensure harmony among family
o Gov t and private institutions
members.
undertake programs that are dedicated
to a certain Filipino family & their
problems in areas such: fam planning &
outreach programs. Filipino Family Values:
o Mainly directed to socially 1. Pagpapahalaga sa Pamilya (Family-oriented)
disadvantage families. But, the long - Filipinos are known for having strong and
term solutions include all fams from close family ties. They place high regard
different economic & social standing and put importance on their family before
anything else.
- In other countries, you leave your house
once you turn 18, but here, people keep
Structural solidarity: This means their families intact as much as possible.
how factors like geographical
distance can constrain or enhance 2. Communication Style
interaction between family - A good conversation piece is asking about
members their family, which region or province they
Associational solidarity: This came from, whether they have children
dimension refers to the frequency their ages.

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 - Filipinos will try to express their opinions
and ideas diplomatically & with humility to
avoid appearing arrogant
- Many Filipinos take pride in their ability to
read, write, and speak English. They may
feel offended if asked about the need for
an interpreter.
For nurses working with older Filipino individuals, the
following guidelines may be useful:
- It is important not to use family
members/friends as interpreters for health care
related issues.
o Questions such as
be considered disrespectful:
o Instead, ask px to repeat the
instructions w/ the explanation that
the feedback process to the clinician
benefit on whether she has done a
certain job.
o Will you please repeat to me the
instructions that was given to you?
This is just to check if the doctor has
explained everything or the procedure
well.
Be careful in using this bc
some older Filipinos may
also find it offensive.
- For elderly Filipinos who are less educated and
have minimal acculturation experience:
o Never assume
mean that she or he understood the
discussion or agrees with a decision or
opinion of HCP.
o It is considered disrespectful to
challenge, question, or express
disagreement with an authority figure
such as HCP.
o Many older adults look for a trusted
older adult family member as their
surrogate decision-maker & would
expect that their condition to keep this
individual will be informed related to
their health.
o Clinicians should explore and listen to
illness. Be respectful of their behaviors,
patiently explain from your perspective
what must be done and why.
o When an older adult is accompanied
by other fam members: seek the
elder s consent before disclosing
sensitive and private issue to maintain
px s privacy, autonomy & avoid
embarrassing the patient.
3. Helping Others and Gratitude
- fosters general cooperation or helpful deeds
a. PAKIKISAMA
- Pakikisama has the connotation of getting
along with people in general. There is a
general yearning to be accepted and well-
liked among Filipinos.
b. UTANG NA LOOB
- Means to pay your debt with gratitude.
There is usually a system of obligation.
- When this value is applied, this imparts
duty & responsibility on the younger
siblings repaid and done to them by their
elders.
4. Respect (Paggalang)
- To be respectful or give respect to a
person such as using customary words
like Po or Opo , doing Mano Po
5. Independence
- Fil mothers have social goals on other
adults discipling their children.
- Filipinos have collectivist orientation as
they encourage independence among
youngsters.
- Early in the recorded history of the
country families banded together for
mutual protection and support to form
- Family members particularly females
took responsibility for the care of
children. 300 years of colonization by
the Spaniards did little to influence
these practices.
- Filipinos made a conscious effort to
retain their sense of cultural
independence throughout their
colonization by Spain and USA.
HIYA = or
- controls the social behavior and interactions of
a Filipino. It is the value that drives a Filipino to
be obedient, respectful to their parents & other
authorities and to be independent in life.
- Key ingredient to loyalty of one s family.
6. Service
- Fils put the utmost priority in meeting
the fam s basic needs or pagpahalaga sa
pamily to their fam.
- This person places a high regard on
their family before anything else.
7. Trust
- immense relationships to make people
feel they belonged together
- TRUST and respect of the Filipino
children to their parents become more
of a two-way street as your child gets
older.
- The Filipino family nurture trust and
respect in strengthening the
relationship or the culture of being
family oriented.
- Trust is an important tender aspect of
all relationships bc it requires us to
choose to be vulnerable and
courageous. When we learn to distrust
come to understand that what we share
not safe with that person.
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C. FILIPINO FAMILY CULTURE AND TRADITION
Has been influenced by Spaniards, Americans,
and other Asians.
In a Filipino household, it is common to find 3
generations living together.
o Grandparents often play a large role in
raising their grandchildren.
o Extended family will often live
relatively close to one another and will
come together during large
celebrations.
Filipinos, especially older adults, tend to cope
with illness by relying on advice from family
and friends, and by faith in God.
Filipino families greatly
decision about healthcare. Patients subjugate
personal needs and tend to go along with the
demands of a more authoritative family figure
in order to maintain group harmony.
Before seeking professional help, Filipinos
tend to manage their illnesses by self-
monitoring of symptoms, ascertaining possible
causes, determining the severity and threat to
functional capacity, and considering the
financial and emotional burden to the family.
They may even resort to utilizing traditional
home remedies such as alternative or
complimentary means of treatment. They may
discuss their concern with a trusted family
member, friend, spiritual counselor
Seeking med advice from fam
members/friends who are HCP is also a
common practice among Filipino older adults
and their family members, especially if severe
somatic symptoms arise.
COPING STYLES
1. Patience and Endurance (Tiyaga) ability to
tolerate uncertain situations
2. Flexibility (Lakas ng Loob) being respectful
3. Humor (Tatawanan ang problema)
tatawanan ang problema or the capacity to
laugh at oneself in times of adversity
4. Fatalistic Resignation (Bahala na)
resignation, the view that illness and suffering
are the unavoidable and predestined will of
God in which the patient, family members and
even the physician should not interfere
5. Conceding to the wishes of the collective
(Pakikisama) to maintain group harmony
HEALTH CARE
Is a multitude of services rendered to
individual, families, or communities by the
agent of health services or professions for the
purposes of promoting, maintaining,
monitoring, or restoring health.
The health care goal of system is health
development (i.e. a process of continuous and
progress improvement of health status of a
population)
MAJOR HEALTH CONCERNS
Diabetes
Cervical/Breast Cancer
Cardiovascular Dse
Hepatitis B
HEALTH CARE DELIVERY
Western medicine is familiar and accepted
Sometimes incorporate indigenous sources of
care
Nuclear and extended family play an important
HEALTH BELIEFS AND BEHAVIORS
Different Asian cultures apply various models
in perceiving and interpreting symptoms and
illness. These models influence their decisions
to seek medical treatment and services.
A key principle shared by many Asian cultures
is a holistic view of health, with an emphasis on
balance & harmony
mind, body, and environment.
Studies of health practices among Filipino
Americans suggest that people originally from
rural areas in the Philippines are more
knowledgeable regarding home remedies,
traditional healing techniques, and
supernatural ailments, whereas those coming
from the urban areas rely more on Western
medical interventions and over-the-counter
medications.
HEALTH BELIEFS & BEHAVIORS: THEORIES OF ILLNESS
Physical and mental health and illness are viewed
holistically as an equilibrium model. In contrast, other
models include:
a. Mystical causes
- Often attributed to experiences or
behaviors such as ancestral retribution
for unfinished tasks or obligations.
- Some believe that the soul goes out
from the body and wanders, a
phenomenon known as Bangungot or
that having nightmares after a heavy
meal may result in death
b. Personalistic Causes
- Associated with social punishment or
retribution from supernatural causes
such as evil spirit, witch (Manga ga
mud) or sorcerer (mangkukulam). The
forces cast these spells on people if
they are jealous or feel disliked.
- Witch doctors (Herbularyo) or priests
are asked to counteract and cast out
these evil forces using prayers,
incantations, medicinal herbs, and
plants.
- For protection, the healer may
recommend using holy oils, or wearing
religious objects, amulets, or talismans
(anting anting).
c. Naturalistic Causes
- Include a host of factors ranging from
natural forces to excessive stress, food
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 and drug incompatibility, infection, or
familial susceptibility.
HEALTH PROMOTION/TREATMENT CONCEPTS
Heating adapts the concept of balance
between hot and cold to prevent
occurrence of illness and disorders
Flushing the body is thought to be a vessel or
container that collects and eliminates impurities
through physiological processes such as
sweating, vomiting, expelling gas, or having an
appropriate volume of menstrual bleeding
Protection safeguards
from outside influences such as supernatural
and natural forces
HEALTH PRACTICES: How do some Filipinos manage
their illnesses?
Use folk remedies and herbs for healing
Hilot (massage), provides remedy for some
forms of pain and mild illness
Here are some bits of information that you
might not be aware of:
o Massage makes use of the most popular
and useful herbs: tanglad, lagundi,
sambong and more native plants that
have healing and therapeutic
properties.
CULTURAL BELIEFS ON DISEASE CAUSATION IN THE
PHILIPPINES
Seven common Filipino cultural beliefs are:
Namamana
Lihi
Sumpa
Gaba
Pasma
Namaligno
Kaloob ng Diyos
Filipino word/s depicting cultural beliefs and
their English translation:
o Namamana inheritance
o Lihi concept of maternal cravings
o Pasma hot&cold syndrome
o Sumpa and Gaba curse
o Namaligno mystical & supernatural
cause
o Kaloob ng Diyos God s will
a. Namamana
- is the Filipino language translation of
acquiring a behavior or disease trait
from a parent.
- It is a belief that when a relative has the
condition, it is possible that he/she will
pass on the trait to the younger
generation.
b. Lihi
- like namamana, it is a concept used to
explain why some children are noted to
have certain specific characteristics.
- An ethnographic study done in a
municipality in the Philippines referred
to lihi as a term for conception (Jocano
1973), while some literature referred to
it as maternal cravings (Daack-Hirsch
and Gamboa 2010)
- during the lihi period, also referring to
the first trimester of pregnancy, the
pregnant woman experiences several
physical discomforts including feelings
of dizziness, nausea, irritability, and
general weakening of the body. It is also
during this time that the pregnant
woman develops intense craving for
certain foods and intense liking for
certain objects.
c. Pasma
- roughly defined as an exposure illness
which occurs when a condition
- homeostasis is attained
by a balance between the hot & cold
elements, and an illness is caused by a
dominance of either hot or cold.
- Specifically, childbirth and the process
of delivering a baby are considered by
d. Sumpa and Gaba
- beliefs in the Filipino culture pertaining
to a curse. In sumpa, the curse is
inflicted by a human being.
- Gaba is a curse inflicted by a divine
being and it is usually God. This is
inflicted to a person because he/she
committed a social sin.
e. Namaligno
- beliefs in supernatural beings are
widespread in the Philippines.
Specifically, namaligno is a Filipino
belief that a disease is caused by an
intervention of a supernatural or a
mystical being.
- A genetic condition which has been
associated with having a mystical
etiology is Marfan Syndrome. (myth:
born with a mother impregnated by a
Kapre)
f. Kaloob ng Diyos
- means God s will.
- When a Filipino individual experience
an unexpected event in their life,
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 whether negative or positive, it is - Cared delivered through respect,
typically attributed to the grace of God. empathy, and dignity
- This concept helps families cope and b. Competence
accept their life experiences. It provides - To delivery safe and quality care
access to personal empowerment and c. Confidence
hope to families. d. Conscience
- As a means for coping, this concept e. Commitment (commitment to a culture of
allows affected families to emotionally excellence, discipline, integrity and
move toward acceptance. professionalism)
- A culture of caring as a fundamental
part of the nursing profession
HEALTH SUPERSTITIONS characterizes our concern and
consideration for the whole person. Our
1. Get rid of a hiccup by placing a short thread wet commitment to the common good and
with saliva on the forehead. our outreach to those who are
2. By showing fondness or affection when meeting vulnerable.
a baby for the first time, you may cause the baby
to feel uneasy or make the baby cry non-stop 3. Love of People
which is commonly referred to as na- - Respect for the dignity of the person
usog / nabuyagan . regardless of color, gender, and political
To cure the infant: dab the saliva on affiliation
baby s forehead or abdomen
Others may also greet the baby by 4. Love of Country
saying pwera usog or buyag. - Patriotism (Civic duty, social
3. Hitting the sack right after a shower is believed responsibility, and good governance)
to cause blindness and insanity. - Preservation and enrichment of the
4. Not patting your sweat dry with a towel can environment and culture heritage must
cause you to get pneumonia. be observed by the nurse working in the
5. Showering salt over the threshold of the front community
door of your new house can help you and your
family ward off sickness. 5. Other values:
a. Diversity
NURSING CORE VALUES
i. A culture of inclusive excellence
The nurse assumes the caring role in the caring encompasses many identities
role of health, prevention of diseases, elevation influenced by the intersections
of suffering and when recovery is not possible of race, ethnicity, gender,
in assisting patients towards a peaceful death. sexual orientation,
The nurse also collaborates with other socioeconomic status, age,
members of the health team and other sector religion, etc.
to achieve quality health care. b. Excellence
Moreover, the nurse works with individuals, i. A culture of excellence reflects
family, population groups, communities and a commitment to continuous
society as a whole in ensuring active growth, improvement, and
participation in the delivery of holistic health understanding. It is a culture
care. where transformation is
Core Values: embraced, and the status quo
1. Love of God and mediocrity are not
Not just doing the right thing but the tolerated.
actions revealed the commitment to
truth telling and to how we must
always see ourselves from the
prospective of others in a larger
community in giving services
- It is a fundamental value that a nurse
must do his/her duty associated with
the concept of devotion towards the
creator

2. Caring as the core of Nursing

a. Compassion or Intelligent Kindness

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