Anthropological issues in renal care

Abstract

This article provides a brief overview of the critical role that culture can play in renal care, drawing on examples from the social scientific literature to discuss cultural beliefs in three key domains at issue in renal care: beliefs about the kidney itself, about kidney disease, and about kidney treatments. Examining cultural variation within these three key domains across settings ranging from Mexico, USA, China, Egypt, Japan, Turkey, and others provides a means for thinking more deeply and strategically about the role of culture in caring for nephrology patients. The article concludes by offering specific practice strategies designed to strengthen the understanding and communication between clinicians and patients around cultural issues in renal care.