The Evan Family Case Study

1. Identify two religious or spiritual practices in which members of the Evans Family may engage for treating hypertension, diabetes, and mental illness.
In the text, the Evan’s family is introduced as an African-American family, and members of the Baptist church. Members of this family have been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, and mental illness, diseases that the family may attempt to treat through religious of spiritual practices.
Daily prayer may be a spiritual/religious practice used by the Evans family to treat the mentioned health conditions. “African-Americans consider themselves spiritual beings, and sickness is viewed as a separation between God and man” (Purnell, 2003, p. 49). In an attempt to get closer to God, daily prayer would be viewed as a positive aspect to accomplish this, lessen the separation between themselves and God, to improve or abolish the sicknesses. God is viewed as the “supreme healer”, and the Evans family may also be asking God through prayer for healing to improve the illnesses, and restore their health.
African Americans may hold the belief that diseases can be cured when a person of faith gifted with special healing powers touches the afflicted person. This touch is usually accompanied by prayer. Sometimes, it is believed that “…the laying on of hands is thought to free the person from all suffering and pain, and people who still experience pain are considered to have little faith” (Purnell, 2003, p. 50). It is important that the health care provider be aware of these spiritual practices, their potential effect on the health care plan, to provide culturally competent