Nineteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Genetic disorders, genetic problems caused by one or more abnormalities formed in the genome, are greatly influenced by cultural beliefs, thus it needs to be considered accordingly. This study explores Filipino Cultural Beliefs as input to Genetic Counseling in Barangay Siboan-Otong, San Fernando, La Union. It provides possible interventions to increase awareness with these Seven Common Filipino Cultural Beliefs – namamana, lihi, sumpa, gaba, pasma, namaligno, and kaloob ng Diyos, to provide culturally appropriate genetic counseling. Barangay Health Workers of Siboan-Otong were selected as the participant of the study and reported that majority of diseases experienced by the community are influenced by their cultural beliefs causing the patient and family to become unaware of the proper treatment and scientific explanations behind the genetic disease. While few of the families are aware of genetic disorders and submitted themselves to a genetic counseling. This revealed that there is a need to conduct genetic counseling among the family to completely eradicate such belief so that the community will be more open-minded in dealing with such issues. The researchers recommend conducting a seminar and an intensive family education program through a house-to-house campaign in which the researchers will give flyers to each family in Siboan-Otong through the help of the Barangay Health Workers.