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ting Hindu beliefs affecting ffec s a ief el health care b u H d in i Hindu H n be d lief re Guidelines for health services u s a ca ffe h be cting healt li efs Hindu af care belief fecting health s
14 Health care providers’ handbook on Hindu patients Most Hindu holy days are based on the lunar calendar 1 . Food beliefs and the dates can vary from year to year. Some festivals Hindu dietary practices can vary depending on the can occur over an extended period with celebrations individual’s beliefs and customs. lasting for days or weeks.
Most Hindus do not eat beef or pork and many follow a A religious calendar is published in the Queensland vegetarian diet. Fasting is common among Hindus, but Health Multicultural Clinical Support Resource. there are no set rules and the decision to fast is up to the www.health.qld.gov.au/multicultural/support_tools/ individual. mcsr.asp
Many Hindus follow Ayurvedic dietary practices. Under this system certain foods are classified ashot or cold and 4 . Fasting can adversely or positively affect health conditions and 12 Fasting is an integral part of Hinduism and is seen as a emotions . means of purifying the body and the soul, encouraging 7 g self-discipline, and gaining emotional balance . ctin The classification of foods ashot or cold is unrelated to ffe temperature. Hot foods are generally those foods which a Fasting may be practiced on specific days of the week, fs are salty, sour or high in animal protein, while cold foods e 4 during festivals or on holy days, or in conjunction with li are generally sweet or bitter . be special prayers. Some strict Hindus do not consume garlic or onion as the u It is not considered obligatory for a Hindu patient to fast d properties of these foods disturb spiritual practices such during hospitalisation. However, some patients may wish H in as meditation. i Hind to fast while in hospital. n u b H eli e Refer to section three for a table of foods suitable for d ef r There is no specified way to fast, but individuals may u s a ca vegetarian Hindus. b ffec h choose to abstain completely from all food and drink or e ting healt only abstain from certain foods. lie 2 . Karma f ind • A central belief of Hinduism is the doctrine of karma, 5 . Dress s H u 14 a are beli the law of cause and effect . f c ef While there is no religious requirement for modest dress, fe th s • Hindus believe that every thought, word and action c al many Hindus choose to dress modestly and may be ting he accumulates karma, which can affect current and 14 reluctant to be examined by health care providers of the future lives. Hindus believe in reincarnation . opposite sex. • Actions from a past life can affect events in the current 14 life, including health and wellbeing . Hindu women may wear a sacred thread or gold chain • Health care providers should be aware that a strong around their necks and Hindu men and boys may wear belief in karma can affect decision-making regarding a sacred thread across the chest. These items should health care. not be removed during examination. If it is necessary to remove an item, permission should be sought prior to 3 . Holy days removal15. Hindus do not observe a specific day of worship, Hare Krishna followers, and some other Hindus, may although some days of the week may be associated with wear sacred tulsi beads around the neck. If it is necessary particular deities. to remove these beads, they should be retied around the wrist (preferably right). Hindus do observe a number of holy days and festivals which can have an impact on health care due to In addition, some jewellery worn by Hindus may have a associated fasts. sacred meaning and patients should be consulted before removal.
15 6 . Mental health and/or cognitive 9 . Pain management dysfunction Hinduism encourages the acceptance of pain and suffering as part of the consequences of karma. It is not Hindus believe that all illnesses, whether physical or seen as a punishment, but as a natural consequence mental, have a biological, psychological and spiritual of past negative behaviour and is often seen as an element. Treatments which do not address all three 16 opportunity to progress spiritually . causes may not be considered effective by a Hindu patient10. This may affect triaging or the monitoring of pain levels as Hindu patients may not be forthcoming about pain Many Hindus attach a stigma to mental illness and and may prefer to accept it as a means of progressing cognitive dysfunction. spiritually. Many Hindus have a strong belief in the concept of the However, this behaviour may be less prevalent in evil eye and may believe this to be a cause of mental 13 Australia, especially among young people. illness . rces resou nal In addition, all illness, including mental illness, may be 10 . Death and dying io seen as the result of karma from this, or a previous life. it dd Hindus believe that the time of death is determined by A Further information about mental health care for one’s destiny and accept death and illness as part of life. s multicultural communities can be accessed through the e A c Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre. As a result, treatment is not required to be provided to r www.health.qld.gov.au/pahospital/qtmhc d Ad u a Hindu patient if it merely prolongs the final stages of a d ditio o terminal illness. na s it l re Guidelines for health services i res l 7 . Transplants and organ donation Under these circumstances, it is permitted to disconnect o our na life supporting systems. However, suicide and euthanasia n ce o Hinduism supports the donation and transplantation of a s Additi are forbidden in Hinduism. l organs. The decision to donate or receive organs is left to r the individual. eso resources Add urce ional ition 8 . Sexual and reproductive health s Addit al Contraception There is no official Hindu position on contraception.
Abortion Beliefs about abortion may vary depending on cultural or religious interpretations.
Many Hindus believe that the moment of conception marks the rebirth of an individual, which may make abortion unacceptable, except in emergencies4.
Assisted reproductive technologies There is no official Hindu position on assisted reproductive technologies.
16 Health care providers’ handbook on Hindu patients