Religion plays a major role in the lives of all cultural groups.
Religion is rarely a topic of conversation in hospitals, but religious beliefs and practices are common sources of conflict and misunderstanding. It is believed that losing blood depletes the body's strength and provides a route for the soul to leave the body. Blood transfusions give the opportunity for another's spirits to enter the patient's body. Although the beliefs and associated practices vary, the concept generally includes an evil that one puts on another that causes the victim to fall ill. The motive is usually envy.