Culturally Based Behavior That Does Not Promote Health

Most cultures have traditions and beliefs that are abided by the members of the culture. Most of these traditions and beliefs are assumed to be beneficial, but some are harmful. The cultural practices vary from one culture to another. However, it is essential to identify these cultural practices and promote and provide health education to such groups. There are culturally based behaviors that may not promote health includes some sub-cultures.

Maasai community in Eastern Africa is among the community that advocates for some cultural practices that do not promote health.  The Maasai community practices Female genital mutilation, which is the circumcision of girls (Maasai Girls Education Fund | Only Through Education, n.d.). Female genital mutilation has several effects on a girl’s health. This includes constant pain, experiencing pain and difficulties during sex, and repeated infection that may cause infertility. Self-medication is highly advocated for in the Maasai community than in in-hospital care (WHO, 2021). These self-medication practices can endanger a person or expose them to greater risks. Maasai culture practices wife sharing amongst the Moran, which is the primary element in transmitting HIV and STIs (Pakdamana & Azadgolia, 2014). Therefore, increasing the rate of sexually transmitted diseases in that community.

Promoting health and reducing diseases caused by cultural practice is a noble goal. However, providing respectful health promotion education to the cultural group would help reduce the risk of individuals suffering from health problems due to cultural practices.  First, giving counseling about the benefits of maintaining a health practice should be embraced. Secondly, taking them through the health risk associated with adhering to cultural practices that do not promote health. Educating members on the consequences of female genital mutilation is very vital. Also, implementing school-based health promotion would significantly help reduce such practices. Community programs would help educate and transform society’s members from old beliefs to modern healthful practices.

References

Maasai Girls Education Fund | Only Through Education. The Life of a Maasai Woman | MaasaiGirls Education Fund. Maasai Girls Education Fund | Only Through Education. Retrieved 5 November 2021, from http://maasaigirlseducation.org/the-need/the-life-of-a-maasai-woman/.

Pakdamana, P., & Azadgolia, B. (2014). Journals.library.columbia.edu. Retrieved 5 November 2021,fromhttps://journals.library.columbia.edu/index.php/jgh/article/download/4898/3122/10887

WHO. (2021). Female genital mutilation. Who. int. Retrieved 4 November 2021, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation.