Embracing Cultural Sensitivity in Pediatric Orthopedic Care in Pakistan

Authors

  • Muhammad Muzzammil Department of Orthopaedics, Sindh Government Services Hospital, Karachi

Keywords:

Cultural Sensitivity, Pediatric Orthopedic Care, Traditional Medicine, Disability Beliefs, Pakistan

Abstract

The healthcare landscape in Pakistan is as complex as its rich cultural tapestry. For pediatric orthopedic conditions, cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence medical decisions. This editorial emphasizes the urgent need for culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare to ensure effective and timely medical care for children.

 

Traditional and Alternative Medicine

In Pakistan, traditional and alternative medicine is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric. According to Abbasi et al.1, an overwhelming 80% of parents turn to traditional remedies before seeking modern medical treatments for their children's orthopedic conditions. This reliance often leads to delays in receiving appropriate care, resulting in worsened conditions that could have been managed more effectively if treated earlier.

Healthcare providers must recognize and respect the value placed on traditional medicine. Instead of dismissing these practices, medical professionals should aim to integrate traditional remedies within the modern healthcare framework. Collaborative efforts could involve training traditional healers in basic modern medical knowledge and encouraging them to refer cases that require advanced medical intervention. Public health campaigns need to focus on educating the populace about the benefits of integrating both approaches, thereby ensuring timely medical intervention without undermining cultural beliefs2.

References

Abbasi FA, Aftab M, Haider W, Asad M. Traditional Medicine Use in Pediatric Orthopedic Patients in Pakistan. Cureus. 2020 Oct;12(10):e11035. doi: 10.7759/cureus.11035. PMID: 33262748; PMCID: PMC7692307.

Ayub S, Ahmad S, Ali S, Kamran SM. Women with orthopedic disabilities in Pakistan: a qualitative study of their healthcare experiences. BMC Int Health Hum Rights. 2017 Dec;17(1):18. doi: 10.1186/s12914-017-0125-9. PMID: 28361633; PMCID: PMC5371851.

Haque S, Ahmad N, Ahmad N. Knowledge and beliefs of parents about management of congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) in children. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2019 Oct-Dec;31(4):521-526. PMID: 32054523.

Khan N, Asad M, Ahmad S, Riaz M, Naqvi SAA. Factors affecting the surgical management of congenital talipes equinovarus in children in a tertiary care hospital of Pakistan. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2019 Dec;29(12):1190-1194. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2019.12.1190. PMID: 31804757.

Naseer Z, Gillani S, Ali SM, Niazi MA. Barriers to orthopaedic care in developing countries. J Pak Orthop Assoc. 2016 Dec;28(4):80-83.

Qureshi AM, Khan S, Siddiqi FS. Gender disparity in access to healthcare services for orthopaedic patients in Pakistan. J Pak Med Assoc. 2018 Mar;68(3):418-422. PMID: 29540878.

Tahir S, Ahmad S, Ahmad S. Social support and anxiety among mothers of children with orthopedic impairments. Pak J Med Sci. 2016 Sep-Oct;32(5):1225-1229. doi: 10.12669/pjms.325.10485. PMID: 27981967; PMCID: PMC5141925.

Zaidi SHA, Hadi A, Awan NR. Parents' attitudes and behaviors towards management of children's clubfoot: A cross sectional study from Pakistan. J Orthop Surg Res. 2019 Mar 5;14(1):71. doi: 10.1186/s13018-019-1101-6. PMID: 30836962; PMCID: PMC6399695

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Published

2024-06-27

How to Cite

Embracing Cultural Sensitivity in Pediatric Orthopedic Care in Pakistan. (2024). Journal of Pakistan Orthopaedic Association, 36(02), 01-04. http://jpoa.org.pk/index.php/upload/article/view/859

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