East Indian Hindu families

High birth rates in Haiti and among Haitian immigrants are influenced by several contributing factors:

Socioeconomic Conditions: Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere. High birth rates are often linked to poverty, as children may be seen as a source of labor and support for their parents in old age.

Lack of Access to Contraception: Limited access to and availability of modern contraceptives, especially in rural areas, is a major factor. This is often coupled with a lack of education on family planning methods.

Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Strong religious beliefs, particularly within certain denominations of Christianity, may discourage the use of contraception.

High Infant Mortality Rate: Historically, a high infant mortality rate has led families to have more children to ensure some survive to adulthood.

Religious needs a Jewish client may have while hospitalized, and with which nursing staff can assist, include:

Sabbath Observance: From Friday evening to Saturday evening, Orthodox Jewish clients may avoid using electronic devices (like call buttons), writing, or pressing buttons. Nursing staff can anticipate needs and offer assistance without being prompted.

Dietary Laws (Kashrut): Clients may require kosher food. The nursing staff can verify that the hospital provides kosher meals and ensure that no non-kosher food is brought into the client's room.

Prayer: Clients may need a quiet space and specific times for daily prayers. Staff can ensure privacy and respect their prayer schedule.

Modesty: Some clients, particularly women, may prefer to be cared for by staff of the same gender and may request to keep their bodies covered as much as possible during examinations or procedures.

Circumcision (Bris Milah): If a male infant is in the hospital, arrangements for a ceremonial circumcision on the eighth day after birth may be needed. The nursing staff can coordinate with the family and a mohel (a trained Jewish practitioner).

Shabbat Candlesticks: If permitted by hospital policy, a client may need to light candles to observe the Sabbath. Staff can help by providing a safe space and ensuring fire safety protocols are followed.

Visiting a Sick Person (Bikur Cholim): The client's community may have specific rituals or prayers for visiting the sick. Staff can accommodate visitors and provide a respectful environment.

Sample Answer

In some East Indian Hindu families, the traditional family structure is joint and patriarchal. This means multiple generations—including parents, their sons, the sons' wives, and their children—often live together in the same household. The family is typically led by the eldest male, who makes major decisions, including those related to finances and healthcare. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

This family organization can have a significant effect on health-seeking behavior. A person's individual health needs might be secondary to the family's needs or the patriarch's decisions. For example, a woman may need her husband's or father-in-law's permission to seek medical care, and family elders may prefer traditional remedies over modern medicine. Privacy during a medical consultation may also be a concern, as family members may insist on being present. This can create a conflict between a client's personal health needs and their family's customs and authority.