Family structure, culture, and health practices in modern households

Family structure can be defined as the number of members in a family and their organization. It is also the way in which the family members' interactions are designed. It is important that one knows the different roles of members in various family structures, and their descriptions in order to understand the way the members relate. I, for one, am a member of a nuclear kind of family. This is the kind that comprises a marital pair of opposite sex, and children, adopted or biological, sharing a home. The society regards nuclear families as the one in charge of shaping children's adaptation of the values of their society. This is primary socialization. Nuclear families also have the duty of stabilizing the character of adults, especially on the marital pair's emotional security. Our group has people from various family structures, which have different impacts on our social lives (Holborn and Steel, 2015).

Question 2

Each family structure has different cultural reactions and attitudes. They are highly embedded in members of the family, and they impact the way they perceive things and behave, knowingly and unknowingly. Nowadays, there are certain values that can be noted in different families, which tend to change over time.

In case of sickness, there are different medical beliefs in different cultures used to determine the cause, cure and people to participate in the treatment. The level of perception of patients on the cultural significance of patient education on them may greatly influence how well they take the information, and how willing they are to endorse it. Families that believe that the cause of a certain sickness is a natural scientific occurrence may suggest that the treatment used should fight those microorganisms. Some societies, however, think that the causes of illness are supernatural, and use spiritual solutions such as prayers to fight the supposed disfavor of such great forces. A patient's cultural background greatly impacts their cooperation (Mc Laughlin and Braun, 1998).

Question 4

The health practices and beliefs in our family have seemed to be receptive of a variety of guides for health care. For example, one or two years ago, my little brother had made a habit of taking junk food, behind my parents' backs. As a result, he drastically added weight, something my parents considered unhealthy. He was made to visit our family doctor, who took a number on tests my brother. After the doctor conducted some laboratory analysis, it was concluded that he had for a while been taking unbalanced diets. To counter that problem, the doctor recommended some medicine that would assist my brother in reducing weight and calories. My little brother was also advised to jog or walk between one and two hours to regain his body fitness and have back his healthy body weight.

Question 5

Cultural disparity in patients and provision of treatment to them is a major problem we face as nurses. Health care establishments and hospitals need to tolerate such needs through developing of leadership practices and management of diversity. When performing my duty, I use five important elements which enhance my cultural competence. The first element is assessment of my patients' diversity, so that I can know how I should deal with them. In addition, I have the ability to conduct a cultural assessment on myself, which helps me in my nursing practice, and also makes me aware of the differences that may occur when different cultures interrelate. I have also gained knowledge of institutionalized cultures, from which I can understand my patients, who are culturally diverse. I have interacted with many people, which has enhanced my comprehension of cultural differences, and adaptations of reflecting the delivery of service.

Nurses in each level need to look at the variation of the people they offer their services to. A workforce with a higher level of diversity is bound to fight more for impartial care of those people that are underserved. It should be noted that inclusion, diversity, and cultural consciousness does not only involve tribes or race. It is important that in our consciousness, we consider disability, gender and socioeconomic status (Coe, 2013).