Abstract
Viet Nam is a nation built on centuries of tradition, and whilst the aim is to further open its borders and compete on the global market, a strong adherence to tradition is still embedded in the psyche of the people and the government and cannot be ignored. The influence of tradition in decision-making in health practice and participation also cannot be overstated although it may not be apparent to an external audience. It forms an integral part of the consciousness of every Vietnamese, and hence understanding is assumed, and there is no need for explicit documentation, thus rendering it even further from the grasp of a non-native. This chapter reveals this inside perspective on culture and tradition and discusses its impact on the current and future healthcare environment in Viet Nam.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Gordon S, Bernadett M, Evans D, Shapiro NB, Dang L (2009) Vietnamese culture: influences and implications for health care. Molina Health Care. Retrieved http://www.molinahealthcare.com/medicaid/providers/common/pdf/vietnameseculture-influences and implications for health care_material and test.pdf?E=true. Accessed 16 Sept 2014
Cam Quyen (2011) Patients “blackmailed” at hospitals http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/special-reports/12074/patients--blackmailed--at-hospitals.html. Accessed 16 Sept 2014
TUOI TRE NEWS (2014) Vietnam jails plastic surgeon for 19 years for dumping patient’s body into river. Updated: 12/05/2014. http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/24492/killer-doctor-given-19-years-in-prison-for-dumping-body-into-river. Accessed 28 Sept 2014
DTINEWS (2014) Lack of license suspected in operation smile deaths. Posted on 28 Aug 2014 www.talkvietnam.com/2014/08/lack-of-license-suspected-in-operation-smile-deaths/. Accessed 28 Sept 2014
Nguyen M (2014) Vietnam preps for medical makeover to recoup lost billions in health care. Tue 14 Oct 2014. www.reuters.com/article/2014/10/14/vietnam-healthcare-idUSL3N0S33FD20141014. Accessed 9 Dec 2014
DTINEWS 2 (2014) Poor doctor care, lax security, blamed for hospital staff attacks. Posted on 8 Dec 2014. www.talkvietnam.com/2014/12/poor-doctor-care-lax-security-blamed-for-hospital-staff-attacks/. Accessed 9 Dec 2014
AmCham (2011) Tragedy at public hospitals. www.amchamvietnam.com/5364/tragedy-at-public-hospitals/. Accessed 28 Sept 2014
Ferriss AL (2010) Approaches to improving the quality of life: how to enhance the quality of life. Springer Science & Business Media, 2010. ISBN 9048191483, 9789048191482. 168 pages
Vietnam – Australian Oral Health Collaborative Initiatives (2010) Symposium on Vietnam-Australian Oral Health Initiatives 2010. www.oralhealthcrc.org.au/…/100514 VA symposium release.pdf. Accessed 10 Nov 2014
Nghiem Minh Association (2014) Mobile mental health support in Vietnam. Jan 2014. www.slideshare.net/loctran/mobile-mental-health-support-in-vietnam. Accessed 21 Aug 2014
Nguyen D, Hoang H, Hoang VM (2013) Public health in Vietnam: scientific evidence for policy changes and interventions. Editorial. Glob Health Action 2013 6: 20443. http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/gha.v610.20443. Accessed 05 Dec 2014
Vietnamese Family Health. Health beliefs and healing practices. www.vietfamilyhealth.org/culture/beliefs.html. Accessed 12 Jan 2015
Barroy H, Jarawan E, Balesd S (2014) Universal health coverage for inclusive and sustainable development. Country summary report for Vietnam. World Bank Group. Sept 2014. www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/brief/uhc-japan. Accessed 10 Oct 2014
Viet Nam News (2014) Wednesday 2nd Jul 2014
Viet Nam News (2014) Saturday 5th Jul 2014
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Shillabeer, A.G. (2016). Culture and Belief Systems. In: The Health of Vietnam. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-709-3_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-709-3_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore
Print ISBN: 978-981-287-708-6
Online ISBN: 978-981-287-709-3
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)