Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
PERSONNEL
A Major Project
Presented to
The College of Graduate and Professional Studies
Department of Human Resource Development
and Performance Technology
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the
Human Resource Development Master of Science Degree
By
Raeanne Florek
..7
LITERATURE REVIEW...7
What is Diversity, and its Role in the Workplace8
Attitudes towards Diversity Training.9
Spiritual Diversity in Healthcare12
METHODS ..................13
Population and Sample ...13
Data Collection .......14
Data Analysis ..14
RESULTS ....15
Diversity Questionnaire ...15
Survey Results .....16
Research Question 1 18
Research Question 2 18
Research Question 3 20
Research Question 4 23
OBSERVATIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND CONCLUSIONS.............23
OBSERVATIONS ..23
CONCLUSIONS ....25
RECOMMMENDATIONS ........26
Table 2b
Table 2c
Table 2d
Table 2e
Table 3
Table 4a
Table 4b
Table 4c
Table 4d
Table 5a
Table 5b
Table 5c
Table 5d
10
11
12
13
14
15
B/F
Correct
Answer/
%
10
13
11
12
E/22%
12
11
10
11
10
E/19%
27
20
B/50%
50
A/93%
54
Question
T/100%
The Embracing Diversity booklet was available both online and hard copy at the fair.
Based on the percent of correct answers for a majority of the questions, there was not a
satisfactory amount of learning that took place.
16
Answer
Male
Frequency
4
%
13%
Female
26
87%
Total
30
100%
Age (years)
Frequency
0-29
30-40
10
33.3
33.3
41-50
23.3
56.6
51-60
30.1
86.7
61-70
13.3
100.0
Total
30
100.0
100.0
17
Answer
Yes
Frequency
8
%
27%
No
22
73%
Total
30
100%
Answer
Never Attended
Frequency
11
%
37%
1-2 years
10%
3-4 years
10
33%
5-6 years
10%
>6 years
10%
30
100%
Total
Answer
Flyer/Poster
Response
6
%
23%
Co-Workers
15%
31%
GroupWise Email
14
54%
Relative/Friends
4%
Other
12%
The second set of questions were Likert-type items where participants were asked to rate
their attitudes toward the diversity fair. The first question had 3 separate items that were to be
rated on a scale of Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neither Agree nor Disagree, Agree, and Strongly
Agree. The second question had 7 separate items that were to be rated on a satisfaction scale;
Very Dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Neutral, Satisfied, Very Satisfied.
18
Frequency
Cumulative %
4%
4%
4%
8%
20%
28%
12
48%
76%
24%
100%
19
Frequency
Cumulative %
0%
0%
4%
4%
29%
33%
38%
71%
29%
100%
Frequency
2
%
8%
Cumulative %
8%
4%
12%
20%
32%
36%
68%
32%
100%
Frequency
1
%
4%
Cumulative %
4%
4%
8%
20%
28%
36%
64%
36%
100%
An ANOVA was used to compare the data to determine if there was any statistical
significance between the three types of learning. The results show that there is not a statistical
significance between any of the mediums of information (F = .154) but they all have a slightly
positive response. Please see Table 4d for data.
Table 4d. Written vs. Visual vs. Verbal: Medium Preferences
SUMMARY
20
Written
24
94
Averag
e
3.9166
67
Visual
25
95
3.8
Verbal
25
99
3.96
MS
0.1709
01
1.1097
65
Groups
Count
ANOVA
Source of
Variation
Between
Groups
Within
Groups
SS
0.341801
802
78.79333
333
Total
79.13513
514
Sum
df
71
Varian
ce
0.7753
62
1.4166
67
1.1233
33
F
0.1539
97
Pvalue
0.857
56
F crit
3.1257
64
73
Research Question 3 - Did learning increase in a particular group significantly more than
any other (i.e. gender, age)?
In order to determine if an increase in learning took place between males and females, a
t-test was done. The results concluded that we could not reject the null hypothesis (p = .126);
therefore, there is no statistical significance between the amount of learning between males and
females.
Males
21
11.05263
0.686008
11
12
2.990238
8.94152
1.962241
-1.05993
210
19
Mean
Standard Error
Median
Mode
Standard Deviation
Sample Variance
Kurtosis
Skewness
Sum
Count
Confidence
1.441248 Level(95.0%)
13.25
1.030776
13.5
15
2.061553
4.25
-4.85813
-0.19974
53
4
3.280391
Female
11.05263
8.94152
19
0
6
-1.77467
0.126306
2.446912
Male
13.25
4.25
4
In order to determine if an increase in learning took place between individuals who had
attended previous diversity fairs and those who had not, a second t-test was done. The results
concluded that we again, could not reject the null hypothesis (p = .478); therefore, there is no
statistical significance between the amount of learning between those who had attended pervious
fairs, and those who had not.
Table 5c. Descriptive Statistics: Learning in Individuals with No Prior Experience vs. Prior
Experience
No Prior Experience
Prior Experience
22
10.5
1.565248
11.5
11
3.834058
14.7
4.51895
-1.9801
63
6
Mean
Standard Error
Median
Mode
Standard Deviation
Sample Variance
Kurtosis
Skewness
Sum
Count
Confidence
4.023597 Level(95.0%)
11.76471
0.633207
12
15
2.610781
6.816176
-0.14948
-0.30568
200
17
1.34234
Table 5d. T-test: Learning in Individuals with No Prior Experience vs. Prior Experience
No Prior
Experience
10.5
14.7
6
0
7
-0.74902
0.478253
2.364624
Mean
Variance
Observations
Hypothesized Mean Difference
df
t Stat
P(T<=t) two-tail
t Critical two-tail
Prior Experience
11.76471
6.816176
17
An ANOVA was used in order to determine if there was an increase in learning between
four different age groups, as opposed to conducting four separate t-tests. The results were found
to be not significant (F = .377) and shows that there was not any increased learning based on age
groups.
Count
Sum
Averag
Varian
23
72
41-50
73
51-60
86
61-70
32
ANOVA
Source of
Variation
Between
Groups
Within Groups
Total
SS
10.652
17
df
3
179
19
189.65
22
22
12
12.166
67
10.75
10.666
67
MS
3.5507
25
9.4210
53
ce
21.6
3.7666
67
6.7857
14
2.3333
33
F
0.3768
93
P-value
0.7706
91
F crit
3.127
35
24
25
Limited Conclusions
Reviewed literature suggests many of the diversity training programs that are offered to
various organizations are a broad-spectrum implementation of general diversity. This study
looked at the effectiveness of learning diversity specifically tailored to the medicinal preferences
of diverse faiths and cultures in a large hospital, located in West-Central Indiana. While the
results did show a positive response to learning, there was no statistical significance in any of the
findings.
The first research questions asked if the Diversity Fair was successful at increasing
participants knowledge about the medical preferences of different cultures, religions and persons
with disabilities (mean = 3.84) on a 1-5 scale, with 72% answering with a 4 or higher.
Research question 2 looked at if knowledge increased significantly based on how it was
presented. Results show that there is not a statistical significance between any of the mediums of
information (F = .154), written information (mean = 3.92), visual information (mean = 3.80), and
verbal information (mean = 3.96).
Based on the data collected between males and females (p = .126), previous experience
and no experience (p = .478), and age (F = .377), we can determine that there was no significant
increase in learning in any of these groups, thus giving us the answer to the fourth research
question.
Finally, looking at the demographic data that was collected in the first section of the
survey, we can show that the fair was mostly attended by females (72%) between the ages of 30
and 40 (33.3%) and 51-60 (30.1%) who had previously attended prior fairs (73%).
26
Recommendations
Reviewed literature suggests that diversity education is not nearly as effective is given
sparingly and participants are forced to attend. Making this a long-term educational process
would benefit the hospitals education. Because many of the hospital staff are always on the go,
perhaps training that was able to be conducted online or in short spans over a period of time
would be more convenient.
The fair is usually held on a Wednesday from 10 am-2 pm. This is a problem for many
students due to class schedules. If the fair was moved to the evening, it may allow for more
participation for both the staff and the presenters.
Not showcasing diverse groups because it would make others uncomfortable is counterproductive. For example, with the refusal to incorporate an L.G.B.Q.T booth, it showed that the
hospital administration is not yet able to embrace all forms of diversity themselves, hindering the
growth of their employees. This population has been in the public eye, more than ever before and
it is highly likely that hospital staff and administration will be responsible for the care of
someone who falls in this category.
Hospitals are some of the most profitable businesses in the country, and have the
resources and influence to affect a great amount of people. They can be a powerhouse for
education and change, or, if not done correctly, can take cause people to regress in their views
and attitudes towards people of all diverse backgrounds.
27
References
Andresen, M. (2007). Diversity learning, knowledge diversity and inclusion. Equal Opportunities
International, 26(8), 743-760.
Carnevale, A.P., & Kogod, S.K. (1996). Tools and activities for a diverse work force. New York:
McGraw-Hill.
Carey, B. J. (2006, March 31). Long-awaited medical study questions the power of prayer. The
New York Times.
Civil Rights Act, VII U.S.C. (1964).
Colgan, F. (2011). Equality, diversity and corporate responsibility. Equality, Diversity and
Inclusion: An International Journal, 30(8), 719-734.
Diversity. (n.d.). Retrieved July 7, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/
diversity
Jackson, T. (2010). Beyond Sensitivity Training: Building a Diversity Training
Program. Profiles In Diversity Journal,12(1), 51.
Jeste, D. V., M.D., Twamley, E. W., PhD., Cardenas, V., PhD., Lebowitz, B., PhD., & Reynolds,
Charles F,I.I.I., M.D. (2009). A call for training the trainers: Focus on mentoring to
enhance diversity in mental health research. American Journal of Public Health, 99, S317.
McElroy, M. (2013, April 3). Diversity programs give illusion of corporate fairness, study
shows. Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/news/2013/04/03/diversity-programsgive-illusion-of-corporate-fairness-study-shows/
Our mission. (2015). Retrieved February 10, 2015, from
http://www.myunionhospital.org/unionhospital/about-us/mission-statement
Rainey, M. (2010). Corporate Diversity Training Success or Failure?. INSIGHT Into Diversity,
6-7.
Rynes, S. and Rosen, B. (1995). A Filed Survey of Factors Addecting the Adoption and
Perceived Success of Diversity Training. Personnel Psychology, 48: 247270.
Vogel, M. J., McMinn, M. R., Peterson, M. A., & Gathercoal, K. A. (2013). Examining religion
and spirituality as diversity training: A multidimensional look at training in the American
Psychological Association. Professional Psychology: Research And Practice, 44(3), 158167.
28
29
APPENDIX A
Diversity Quiz
Please complete the following quiz by highlighting or bolding the correct answer. You can
find the answers in Embracing Diversity.
1. Some people in this culture follow the hot/cold theory
A. Arabic
B. Chinese
C. Iranian
D. Korean
E. All of the above
2. Organ donation is generally acceptable in this religion
A. Judaism
B. Buddhism
C. Hindu
D. Islam
E. All of the above
4. When meeting with someone who is visually disabled what is the first thing
you should do?
A. Give them a high-five
B. Identify yourself
C. Shake their hand
D. Wait for them to introduce themselves
E. Nothing
5. People in this generation are primarily fighting with chronic disease
A. Traditionalist
B. Generation Z
C. Generation X
D. Generation Y
E. All of the above
6. There are many different variations of culture and religion so you should
ask each patient what their preferences are.
30
False
APPENDIX B
31
32
33
APPENDIX C
34
Embracing Diversity:
A reference guide for Union Hospital
medical professionals
35
36
Cultures
37
Arabic Culture
Communication
Use title and first name
Patience is key
Head nodding and smiles may not always mean comprehension
Will tend to repeat same information several times if feeling misunderstood
Decision making/spokesperson
Families make collective decisions
If there is a grandmother, may defer to her counsel
Physicians expected to make decisions related to the care of a patient
Food practices/beliefs
Eating is important for recovery; offering food is associated with nurturing,
caring for, accepting, and trusting
May follow hot/cold theory; i.e hot soup helps recovery; do not give ice with
drinks, ect.
If Muslim, will have food restrictions
Invasive Procedures
High acceptance of treatments and procedures expected to cure; low
acceptance of complications viewed as negligence or lack of expertise
Organ Donation
Usually not allowed due to spiritual belief of respect for body
Pain
May have difficulty with numerical scale; use metaphors (fire, knife, ect)
Very expressive
Consents
Explain need for written consent, emphasize positive consequences and
humanize process
End of Life Discussion
May be difficult to decide DNR
Common religions
Islam
Christianity
Judaism
38
Chinese Culture
Communication
Elderly may be unable to read or write
Nodding politely does not mean understanding
Often shy, especially in unfamiliar environments
Use of first name could be considered disrespectful
Decision making/spokesperson
Patriarchal society; oldest male usually makes decision and is spokesperson
Food practices/beliefs
Importance belief may be to maintain hot and cold balance in body
Cold foods to be avoided during pregnancy
Invasive Procedures
May be fearful of having blood drawn, believing it will weaken body
May avoid surgery, wanting body to be kept intact
Organ Donation
Not common; want body to remain intact
End of Life Discussion
Family may prefer that patient not be told of terminal illness or may prefer to
tell patient themselves
Pain
May not complain, so be aware of non-verbal clues
Consents
Involve oldest male in family
Assess understanding by asking clear questions
Common religions
Buddhist
Catholic
Protestant
39
Filipino Culture
Communication
Use title and surname
Respect toward elders and authority
Firm handshake with smile and eye contact
Allow brief periods of silence to process information
Decision making/spokesperson
Family focused
Elders are more likely to be spokesperson
Options are to discuss with trusted family member/friend
Food
practices/beliefs
May believe in hot/cold theory
Warm environment is essential to maintain optimal health
Cold drinks or foods should be avoided in the morning
Invasive Procedures
Use clear, slow explanations before, and after
Avid a harried environment
Organ Donation
May believe body needs to remain intact due to spiritual beliefs
End of Life Discussion
Use indirect approach when discussing a terminal diagnosis for the first time
Give information in small doses and in stages
Pain
May be stoic and not vocalize pain
May be very expressive and dramatic, especially when family present
Consents
Discussion of adverse outcomes and contingencies may provoke anxiety; it
may also suggest to the elder a lack of caring from service provider
Common Religions
Roman Catholic
Protestant
Muslim
40
Hispanic Culture
Communication
Address individuals formally, especially elders; include children
Oral English may exceed skill in reading and writing
Decision making/spokesperson
Important decisions may require consultation among entire family
Traditionally father or oldest male holds ultimate authority and is usually
spokesperson
Food Practices/Beliefs
Some patients may adhere to hot/cold theory
Invasive Procedures
Usually accepted if practitioner is trusted
Organ Donation
May decline due to belief that body must be intact
End of Life Discussion
Extended family may attend to sick and dying to pay respects
Family may want to protect patient from knowledge of seriousness of illness
due to concern that worry will worsen health status
Pain
Tend to not complain of pain; assess by nonverbal clues
Consents
Requires clear explanation of situation and choices for intervention
Common Religions
Roman Catholic
Protestant
41
Indian Culture
Communication
Elders addressed by titles
Shaking hands common among men but not women
Loud voice may be interpreted as disrespect, command,
emotional outburst and/or violence
Decision making/spokesperson
Male family members, usually eldest son, has decision-making
power in family, however other family members are consulted
Father, eldest son, or any other male person in the family
Food
practices/beliefs
Food given much respect
May prefer to wash hands before touching food
May refrain from meat and fish; may fast daily or weekly
Pregnancy considered hot state and cool food encouraged
Invasive Procedures
Receptive to blood transfusion and surgery; may prefer to receive blood from
individuals of own caste or religion
Organ Donation
Usually not allowed
End of Life Discussion
May prefer to have doctor disclose diagnosis and prognosis to family first,
who will determine whether to and when to tell patient
Pain
May accept medication, however may also decline unless it is severe
Consents
Approach with close family members present for moral support and
consultation
May feel uncomfortable giving written consent
Explain procedure in simple terms
May rely completely on health professionals to make decisions
Common Religions
Hindu
Islam
42
Iranian Culture
Communication
May prefer use of last name
Handshake, a slight bow, even standing when
someone enters the room are appropriate;
greet elderly first
Decision making/spokesperson
Eldest male in the family
Father, eldest son, or any other male person in the family
Food practices/beliefs
Hot and cold balance emphasized
Invasive Procedures
Accepted
Organ Donation
Accepted
End of Life Discussion
Talk with family spokesperson first
Bad news may be kept from patient by family
Pain
Expressed facial grimaces, guarded body posture, moan
More easily expresses by quality than numeric scale
Consents
Explain procedure or treatment to family spokesperson
Some families may believe in protecting loved one from information
Common Religions
Shia Islam
Judaism
Christianity
43
Japanese Culture
Communication
Formal use of surname
May not ask questions about treatment or care
May be stoic, self-restrained, hesitant
Decision making/spokesperson
Both men and women are involved in process
Father, perhaps mother, eldest son, eldest daughter
Food practices/beliefs
Chop sticks
Rice with most meals
Invasive Procedures
Generally accepted
Organ Donation
May prefer body kept intact
End of Life Discussion
DNR is difficult choice; decided by entire family
Dignity and preservation of modesty
Pain
May be stoic and not vocalize pain
Assess by non-verbal cues
Consents
Emphasize important details
Common Religions
Buddhist
Shinto
Christianity
44
Korean Culture
Communication
Use title and surname
Respect toward elders and authority demonstrated by quick
quarter-bowing
Believe that direct eye contact during conversation shoes boldness
Decision making/spokesperson
Family focused, although husband, father, eldest son or eldest
Daughter may have final say
Family welfare is much more important than the individual
Food
practices/beliefs
May use chopsticks/or big soup spoons
Cold fluids with ice may not be welcome
Diet is important as pregnancy viewed as hot condition; avoid cold foods
Invasive Procedures
Use clear, slow explanations
Organ Donation
May believe body needs to remain intact
End of Life Discussion
May be preferred for family spokesperson to be informed first, then family will
inform patient
Pain
May be stoic and not vocalize pain
May be very expressive and dramatic, especially when family present
Consents
Time to think or review may be requested; do not rush or make patient feel
pressured if possible
Common Religions
No affiliation
Buddhist
Protestant
45
Native American
Culture
Communication
Long pauses are a part
of conversation
Loudness associated with
aggression
In making a request,
explain why it is needed;
be personable and polite
No not casually move,
examine, or admire medicine bag
Decision making/spokesperson
Autonomy highly valued; do not assume spouse would make important
decision for patient
Includes responsibilities to community, family and tribe in decision
Spokesperson may not be decision maker
Food practices/beliefs
Hospitality and respect may lead to patient sharing hospital food with visiting
family and friends as well as to consume food brought by visitors
Nutritional guidance should respect religious choices and incorporate them
Invasive Procedures
May be skeptical but will allow treatment if needed, seen as a last resort
Organ Donation
Generally not desired
End of Life Discussion
Some tribes prefer to not openly discuss terminal status and DNR orders due
to belief that negative thoughts may hasten loss
Pain
Generally undertreated
May voice in general terms or to trusted family member who will relay
message
Consents
Talk about everyones role in procedure, family as well as patients
May be unwilling to sign written consent
46
Russian Culture
Communication
May use loud voice, even in
pleasant conversation
Greetings taken very seriously
Elders may be called uncle or
aunt even if unrelated by blood
Decision making/spokesperson
Father, mother, eldest son, eldest daughter
Spokesperson same as decision-maker or strongest personality
Food
practices/beliefs
When ill, prefer soft, warm, and hot foods
May have religious practices
Traditionally believe that drinking castor oil will encourage an easier birth
Invasive Procedures
May be fearful of blood transfusions, unfamiliar routines or unfamiliar
equipment
May be fearful of IV tubing developing air in the line
Organ Donation
May wish body to remain intact
End of Life Discussion
Inform head of the family first
Pain
May be stoic and not vocalize pain or ask for medication
Comfortable with numeric pain scale
Consents
Generally will not consent to research precipitation
Explain procedures, tests, ect with patient and family together and allow time
for family discussion
Common Religions
Russian Orthodox
Spiritual but not religious
Non-religious
47
Vietnamese Culture
Communication
In formal setting family name mentioned first
Do not shake womans hand unless she offers hers first
Decision making/spokesperson
Father, mother, eldest son, eldest daughter
Spokesperson same as decision-maker or strongest personality
Food
practices/beliefs
May use chopsticks
May prefer warm, soft food when ill
Nothing cold by mouth when ill
Invasive Procedures
May wish for second opinion
Organ Donation
May not be allowed due to respect for body, and desire for it to remain
intact
End of Life Discussion
DNR is a sensitive issue and a decision made by entire family
Do not tell patient without consulting head of family
Pain
May be stoic
Talk about intensity rather than numeric scale
Consents
Explain procedure as precisely and simply as possible
Common Religions
Buddhism
Catholic
Confucianism
Taoism
48
SPIRITUALITY
49
Bahai Spirituality
Beliefs
The oneness of God, of religion, and of humanity
All great religions are divine in origin and represent successive stages of
revelation
Unification of humanity and end or racial and religious prejudice
Search for truth is an individual responsibility
Harmony of religion and science
Food
BahaI Fast March 2-20
o Bahais over the age of 15 who are in good health abstain from food
and drink from sunrise to sunset each day
Health
Consumption of alcohol or mind-altering drugs is forbidden except when
prescribed by a physician
Holy Days/Festivals
7 festivals per year in which one does not work or go to school; other holy
days are observed
Pregnancy/Birth
No special requirements
Dying and Death
An individuals reality is spiritual, not physical
The body is seen as the throne of the soul, worthy to be treated with honor
and respect, even when dead
After death, the soul continues to progress to the next stage of existence
closer to God
Body should be buried, not cremated, preferably without embalming unless
required by law
For person over 15 years old, the Prayer for the Dead is recited at burial
50
Buddhist Spirituality
Beliefs
Central focus is the attainment of a clear, calm state of mind undisturbed by
worldly actions or suffering and full of compassion and enlightenment
Personal insight replaces belief in God with the complete study of laws of
cause and effect, or karma
Basic tenet is reincarnation
Food
May be vegetarian
Health
Illness is a result of karma, therefore an inevitable consequence of actions in
this or a previous life
Illness not due to punishment by a divine being
Healing and recovery promoted by awakening to the wisdom of Buddha,
which is spiritual peace and freedom from anxiety
No restrictions on blood or blood products, surgical procedures, organ
donation, autopsy
Holy Days/Festivals
While some celebrations are common to all Buddhists, many are unique to
particular schools
Pregnancy/Birth
Artificial insemination, sterility testing and birth control are all acceptable
Buddhists do not condone taking life; however circumstances of patient
determine whether abortion is acceptable
Dying and Death
Death is regarded as the actual time of movement from one life to another
Unexpected death or death of a small child may necessitate special rituals
Traditionally there is a 3 day period when the body is not disturbed following
death
Acceptance of death does not mean resignation or refusal of conventional
medicine
Imperative that a Buddhist representative be notified will in advance to see
that appropriate person presides over the care of a dying person
51
Catholic Spirituality
Beliefs
Strong liturgical tradition
Emphasis on sacraments, including baptism, Eucharist, prayers for the sick,
marriage, confirmation and confession/penance
Dedication to creeds
Belief in Apostolic succession in leadership
Food
Traditional Catholics may fast prior to receiving Eucharist and may wish to
avoid meat on Fridays, especially during season of Lent; offer to provide fish
instead
Health
Blood and blood products acceptable
May wish major amputated limb to be buried in consecrated ground
Sacrament of the Sick (anointing, blessing by priest and Eucharist if possible)
very important
May believe suffering is part of ones fate or punishment from God
Holy Days/Festivals
Traditional Christian Holidays as well as observances of special holy days
when attendance at Mass is viewed as an obligation
Pregnancy/Birth
Natural means of birth control only
Abortion and sterilization prohibited
Baptism of infants required and urgent if prognosis is grave
Dying and Death
Belief in life after death
Sacrament of the Sick very important
Autopsy and organ donation acceptable
Body to be treated with respect
52
Hindu Spirituality
Beliefs
A wide variety of beliefs held together by an attitude of mutual tolerance and
belief that all approaches to God are valid
Humankinds goal is to break free of imperfect world and unite with God
Reincarnation and karma
One must perform his/her duties to God, parents, teachers and society
Food
Usually vegetarian
According to dietary law, right hand is used for eating and the left hand for
toileting and hygiene
May fast on special holy days
Health
Prayer for health considered low form of prayer; stoicism preferred
Medication, blood and blood products, donation and receipt of organs
acceptable
Pain and suffering seen as a result of past actions
Future lives is influenced by how one faces illness, disability and/or death
Holy
Days/Festivals
Several, which are observed at home; some take place in a temple
Must be barefoot during religious worship or any kind of religious celebration
Must sit at a lower elevation than where the image of the deity has been
placed
Pregnancy/Birth
Birth control, artificial insemination and amniocentesis acceptable
Dying and Death
The atmosphere around the dying person must be peaceful
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The last thoughts or words are of God; the Gita (scripture) is recited to
strengthen the persons mind and provide comfort. Religious chanting before
and after death is continually offered by family, friends, and priest
Prefer to die at home, as close to mother earth as possible (usually on the
ground)
Active euthanasia viewed as destructive
No custom or restriction on prolonging of life
Immediately after death priest may pour water into mouth of deceased and
family may wash the body
Customary for body not to be left alone until cremated
Autopsy and organ donation acceptable
Cremation is common on say of death
Fetus or children under age 2 may be buried; no rituals observed
Jewish Spirituality
Beliefs
Existence of one, indivisible God by whose will the universe and all that is in
it was created
Commitments, obligations, duties, and commandments have priority over
rights and individual pleasures
Sanctity of life, saving life overrides nearly all religious obligations
Food
Kosher means fit or proper as related to dietary laws. It means that a given
product is permitted and acceptable according to religious law. There can be
many complicated details depending upon choice of observance
A small cup of wine may be part of religious observance
Health
No restrictions on medications or transfusions
Unless surgical procedure is immediately necessary for preservation of life,
may be avoided during Sabbath or other holy days
Orthodox Jews have very specific beliefs and practices that must be
considered, such as patient not being touched by care provider of opposite
sex
Holy Days/Festivals
Many holy days and celebrations
Pregnancy/Birth
Miscarried fetus considered a potential human being and buried
Artificial incrimination permitted
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DISABILITIES
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Things to remember
They expect to be treated with the same dignity and respect that you do.
If you are in a noisy and/or crowded environment, dont panic. Just try and
move to a quieter location to talk.
Let them complete their own sentences. Be patient and do not try to speak
for them. Do not pretend to understand; instead, tell them what you do
understand and allow them to respond.
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When necessary, its OK to ask short questions that require short answers.
Wheelchair Etiquette
Things to Remember
o
Some who use wheelchairs may also use canes or other assistive
devices and may not need his/her wheelchair all the time.
Do not shout at a hearing impaired person unless they request you to. Just
speak in a normal tone but make sure your lips are visible.
If you are asked to repeat yourself, answering nothing, its not important
implies the person is not worth repeating yourself for. It is demeaning; be
patient and comply.
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When meeting someone with a visual disability, identify yourself and others
with you (e.g. Jane is on my left and Jack is on my right.). Continue to
identify the person with whom you are speaking.
When walking with someone with a visual impairment, offer them your arm
for guidance. They will likely keep a half-step behind to anticipate curbs and
steps.
Always remember that the person is not the condition. Keep all your speech
person focused, not disability focused.
GENERATIONAL
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Traditionalists
1900-1945
Medical issues
Chronic disease
Diseases of aging
Depression
Statistics suggests that this stoic generation is least likely to seek mental health
services. For this generation depression is an embarrassment and should be
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Disease
Long-term alcohol abuse will have affected physical health. Misuse of alcohol may
become more pronounced to reduce the stress of unmanaged mental health issues
or as a strategy to avoid uncomfortable relationships.
Baby Boomers
1946-1964
Medical issues
Lifestyle issues
Chronic illness
Old age is getting pushed back farther and farther. Whereas this generation once
said never trust anyone over 30, they now proclaim that 50 is the new 30! Medical
and cosmetic advancements have helped Baby Boomers delay the aging process.
Unfortunately, aginglike taxesis one thing we all can count on.
The health consequences of lifestyle choices may now be appearing for this
generation. Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart and lung disease,
overweight and obesity may now be playing a more significant role in their lives.
Better detection and screenings for breast, colon and prostate cancers have
resulted in better treatment options earlier in the disease process, and more may be
receiving care for these illnesses. This group is very receptive to prevention
programs designed to minimize health risk.
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Generation X
1965-1980
Medical issues
Pregnancy
As of the year 1998, the birth rate had increased 2 percent, the first increase in
birth rates in seven years. By the year 2000, close to two-thirds, or 65 percent, of
women ages 25 to 34 had had children.
Smoking-related health issues also may begin to climb, as smoking rates for ages
25 to 44 years have the highest prevalence at 25.6 percent, as reported by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2003. The smoking rate for men in
this age group is 28.4 percent; for women its 22.8 percent.
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Depression
Anxiety
Eating disorders
Depression and anxiety are issues for many of this generation due to the many
stressors related to upbringing and social expectations. Divorce rates, which
climbed quickly during their developmental years and on into young adulthood,
have contributed to the incidence of depression among this group. Yet, delayed
treatment for depression is not uncommon because divorce often is viewed as
normal and there is fear of being viewed as weak and less competitive in the
marketplace
Eating disorders also affect this generation. Extreme thinnessnow associated with
success, achievement and classis considered a plus, is reinforced by men of this
generation and is associated with a womens ability to contribute to the financial
stability of the family.
Marijuana
Alcohol
Generation Y
1981-2000
Medical issues
Pregnancy
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Accidents
This young population has few medical issues. Physician visits are below average
(1.5 visits per year). Women in this age group tend to see their OB/GYN annually.
Emergency room visits are higher for this group than for the general population due
to automobile and sporting accidents and because many access the ER for routine
medical care of illness such as sinusitis.
Common medical issues include pregnancy, asthma, sinusitis, sore throat and
headache and acne.
The most often prescribed drug categories for this group, ranked in order of
frequency, are: anti-inflammatory medicines, antibiotics, asthma and respiratory
medicines, pain medicines, steroids, psychiatric medicines and antihistamines and
allergy medicines.
Mental health issues
Depression
Anxiety
Binge drinking