Mexicans do not believe they have control over their health. They believe that death is an unpreventable phenomenon and God determines the cause of one’s death. Having the good fortune of being healthy means it was a blessing from the divine powers of God. Being healthy can also mean having a balance of forces four …show more content…
The traditional folk practitioners are utilized as the primary health resources along with religious faith in God. There are different levels of folk practitioners used to treat illnesses, the first line being a family member followed by the community healer as the next option. Typically, Mexicans lack health insurance due to being recent immigrants, holding low paying jobs and /or lack of understanding in the healthcare system.
The Mexican people solely rely on the traditional folk healer due to their belief that external forces control their health (Giger & Davidhizar, 2013). They may not visit the healthcare system for preventative care or they may not seek medical attention for their preexisting conditions.
Traditional healers are Yerbero or herbalist, Curandero and Curandera or “God-given” gift to heal, Brujos and Brujas or witches (Giger & Davidhizar, 2013). The ill will have to seek out the family folk healer first and move to the next healer if wellness has not been obtained from the first …show more content…
J. (2011). Beliefs Associated with Mexican Immigrant Families ' Practice of La Cuarentena during Postpartum Recovery. JOGNN: Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 40(6), 732-741 10p. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01298.x
Giger, J.N., & Davidhizar, R.E. (2013). Transcultural nursing: assessment and intervention (5th ed.). St. Lousi, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
Mexicans practice Christianity and believes God determines their health status. This is an important concept for healthcare providers to know because they belief can deter them from taking prescribe medications or seeking medical treatment. I had firsthand experience with taking care of the Mexican population and encountered this belief. I recently took care of a patient with a new diagnosis of liver failure and she referred back to the will of God for her illness. Female patients prefer that the same gender take care of them and tends to be very modest, asking for privacy when using the commode or dressing. Occasionally, nursing assignments has changed to accommodate their cultural