Studies have found that religious affiliations impact the health and well-being of individuals, especially those already suffering from an illness. These were the types of studies Professor Argie Clifford mentioned during her Multicultural Day presentation entitled “Religious Influences on Perception of Health and Illness.”

Clifford teaches nursing at Moorpark College and has thorough experience as a nurse practitioner in the area. Both as a religious person and an experienced nurse, Clifford was able to give insights into multiple aspects of dealing with illness through religion.

She began the lecture with certain studies which found that people who attend a place of worship on a regular basis suffer from heart disease in much smaller numbers than the general public. Clifford also specified that the studies proved no difference in wellness between worshipers of different religions.

Clifford later spoke about some patients’ path through religion while experiencing a tough illness.

She mentioned that many people turn to religion after they are diagnosed, as a way to cope with their mortality.

“When illness occurs, we start looking at the meaning of life,” Clifford said.

She then switched to the nurse’s point of view and described how a practitioner should act when dealing with patients from different cultural backgrounds. Clifford mentioned how helping people of different beliefs sustain their religious practices and identities does not only help the patients recover faster, but it helps keep the nurse calm and healthy.

“Understanding these beliefs will also help you understand yourself,” Clifford said.

The technical aspect of working with people of different religions also came up. This includes what medicines to administer and what medical procedures should or should not be performed.

Buddhist worshipers, for example, should not be sedated in the last moments of their life. Buddhism believes that a person needs to be fully alert and accept death as it comes.

Through the series of topics, Clifford stressed one important point – every patient’s beliefs should be respected fully, without regard for the nurse’s religious preferences.

“We’re working with their beliefs and not your beliefs,” Clifford said.