The cultural context of the Sierra Leonean Mende woman as patient.

Abstract

The take home message of this paper is that consideration of the culture of the patient, along with other characteristics that influence perception of self, by those providing health care should be the cornerstone of quality care. Both general and health literacy play major roles as to whether clients or and patients will adhere to treatment and procedure regimens. It is progressive that analysis of the cultural context of the Sierra Leonean Mende woman as a patient was carried out. The results will inform visionary programming, which entails active listening, thus involving the patient in her/his own care. This process hastens recovery back to normal duties. and, thus, productivity. Let me conclude this review by emphasizing the point that the care provider must get the patient or client to participate. At one time in a clinic in Nairobi, the patient undergoing speculum vaginal examination complained that the clinician was exposing her private parts to the cold. On being confronted he said, "I did not realize that this was happening. I shall communicate to the patients more in the future in order to respond better to their needs." Clinicians should allow themselves to be more holistic in patient care, thus including social/cultural/biomedical aspects.