Student # xxx xxx xxx

Sikhs: Are We Really So Different?

Davinder Bassi
Student # xxx xxx xxx
October 11, 2012
NURS 160 Practical Nursing Theory 1
Professor X
Humber College

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Sikhs: Are We Really So Different?

For anyone growing up as a visible minority in Ontario, it is easy to understand how one
may feel singled out in society, especially in schools. When compared to western society, Sikhs
are known to speak a different language, eat different foods, men wear turbans and ladies wear
traditional clothes, among some of their differences. In healthcare, these cultural differences are
known to play a major role in how one practices their health beliefs when providing treatment to
others. Likewise, those following another common faith, such as Catholicism, share many of the
same health beliefs but are known to practice these beliefs in a manner preferable to their cultural
background. Sharing the common belief as being a monotheistic faith, allows for similar spiritual
views between Sikhs and Catholics, though each practices in their own way. Thus, careful
examination of my personal health beliefs, based upon the culture I was raised in, my beliefs are
comparable to those of the Catholic faith, and will have a positive influence on my nursing
practice in the future.
Firstly, to understand my personal health beliefs, I must define health as the holistic state
of well-being including ones physical, mental, social and spiritual status. This is similar to the
definition developed by the World Health Organization in 1947, (as cited in Potter & Perry, 2001,
p. 3) in that it is the state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the
absence of disease or infirmity. I believe it best fits my personal health beliefs since a great
deal of emphasis of everyday Sikh life is based upon meditation. I have been taught from a very
young age to incorporate prayer into my life twice daily, preserve my body in its healthiest state
with nutritious food and regular exercise, practice excellent personal hygiene, as well as to
volunteer and help those who are less fortunate. Following these beliefs takes discipline, focus,
time management and altruism. As these skills develop, I am able to have more regular sleep

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patterns, feel better about myself, think positive thoughts and have a greater sense of
commitment to my personal well-being. Also, spirituality helps to strengthen my commitment to
family and the community.
My current health beliefs are based upon living in a Sikh household while adapting
within a western culture. Some of these beliefs include attending church (known as a
gurudwara), eating everyday homemade meals, participating in seasonal sports activities and
spending time with family. Beginning with home remedies, healing foods, followed by doctors
visits and taking appropriate medical advice also help form my beliefs and practices. I evaluate
my health by getting sufficient sleep, eating fresh, nutritious foods (minimal fast food), taking
vitamins, drinking herbal teas (ginger, peppermint, green and chamomile), staying social through
the gurudwara and having my annual physical. I also try to attain a positive outlook while
juggling a busy daily life: being able to pray, go to the gym, take walks, maintain positive
friendships, manage the house, family, job and school helps me to evaluate my personal health.
My cultural beliefs affect my health when every holiday in the Sikh culture is
commemorated with special sweet desserts and deep-fried snacks, like samosas. Whether it is a
celebration for the entire community or just the family, many unhealthy foods are shared.
Declining these foods for any reason is frowned upon, and one is made to feel ungrateful or vain
and selfish. It is less stressful to accept whatever food is being passed around so not to
disrespect the elders. Another cultural belief that affects health is where one is automatically
expected to follow what previous generations do, say and profess, without questioning its
relevance to todays society. This can also be very stressful as it has been for me when I had to
go through a divorce. Traditional Sikh marriages are supposed to last a life-time regardless of
happiness. My cultural beliefs also affect my health in that there is a strong bond between my

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family and myself. They are always there for me for support or assistance, moral, spiritual, even
financial. Whenever stressful situations arise, my family and my community will be there to
help. I know that I can count on them and, vice versa, they can count on me. Hence, I have an
excellent support system should any health issue arise.
Some strategies I may use to improve personal health practices are to focus less on others
and more on myself. By delegating some responsibilities to others is one way for me to spend
some time to develop myself spiritually. Also, if less sleep would give me more time to get
organized and fulfilled by completing my meditation daily, then Id say it is an appropriate
strategy to use. I would also want to educate my family to make healthier food choices and to let
them know it is ok not to conform to all our health practices of previous generations. Teaching
family to perhaps eat smaller portions, choose healthier options like fresh or raw foods in a
loving, nurturing manner would also give them the respect needed to allow for change to occur.
This, in turn, is beneficial to me if the status quo can be challenged by more people, especially
by the more influential elders.
When comparing my health beliefs with those of another classmate, I noticed many
similarities between the Sikh faith and those brought up with a Catholic faith. Both share a
strong sense of the family unit (S. Francis, personal communication, October 8, 2012) as
spending time together decreases stress and preparing healthy meals together increases bonding.
This also decreases the financial burden upon an individual when living multi-generations to a
home and is good for mental and physical well-being of everyone involved. Grandparents are
able to care for their grandchildren in the home and assist their children with odd chores around
the home, depending on how active they are. Parents can then feel less stressed as childcare
would not be a major issue physically or financially. Grandparents can also have their needs met

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for any transportation required for medical appointments or social events. Another shared health
belief between the Sikh and the Catholic faith is both attend church for social and spiritual health
in a neat, tidy fashion. Meditation is an integral part of daily life as is it contributes to the holistic
view of health for both cultures. The monotheistic belief that all humans worship one Supreme
Being and are to preserve their body in its God-given state also infers that each faith does not
believe in abortion, suicide and euthanasia (S. Francis, personal communication, October 8,
2012). In contrast, the method of prayers are dissimilar, by how often one prays, the appropriate
times of prayer, the names of each special prayers and the language used. Another difference in
my health belief with that of my classmate occurs when it is noted that Sikhs believe in
reincarnation and Catholics do not (S. Francis, personal communication, October 8, 2012). As
such, prayers are performed at the end of life with different purposes in mind, hence the alternate
rituals and ceremonies.
From the comparison above, one is able to see how different faiths are able to appear to
follow very different religious paths but the beliefs along the way may are not. As a nurse, this
would affect my treatment of patients considerably. I may feel as though I look different from
them, but until I have an open, relaxed discussion with the patient or their family, I cannot be
sure. For this reason, I must treat each patient with dignity and respect, speaking to them in an
unbiased manner, so as not to create any additional stress. My nursing practice will have to
include open-ended questions in a relaxed, approachable manner so the patient may feel cared
for. Since many Sikhs are vegetarian (or variations, thereof), I would also have to be sensitive to
my patients needs by not assuming they are the same as my own. Instead, I would ask to clarify
what their eating preferences are. For the cultural beliefs of Catholics, I would also be sure to
leave their Rosary within reach, should they feel the need to alleviate stress and pain with their

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own prayers. My nursing practice will have to incorporate their spiritual, social, and mental
well-being, not just their physical well-being.
In conclusion, having the knowledge of health beliefs and practices, and the bias that
culture may infer from it, will enable me to become a better healthcare provider. I will be able to
communicate effectively once information is being conveyed between patient, family and the
entire multi-disciplinary team. This will ensure the patient will get my undivided attention and
the speediest recovery. In summation, providing healthcare to a sick population should not be
influenced by ones own health beliefs or practices, however, it can be advantageous to realize
others may share or have their own beliefs and practices. Keeping an open-mind will help create
a trusting relationship between nurse and patient, thus providing an important part of the
recovery process.

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References
Potter, P. A., & Perry, A. G. (2001). Canadian fundamentals of nursing (2nd ed.). Toronto, ON:
Elsevier Canada Ltd.