Class 1 TLO 1.5 Culture Flashcards
Generalization statement
Provide a place for the health professional to start asking questions. It is a beginning
Stereotyping
When a health professional looks at a statement about an ethnic group and assumes all persons of that ethnic group have the belief or practice. There are no questions. It is an ending
What are the main genetic diseases of the African American?
Sickle Cell
Hypertension - African Americans retain more sodium
Diabetes (about 15%)
HIV - the highest death rate
Often will not go to PCP or take medications unless obviously ill. Will stop taking medication when they feel better
Communication style
Will vary by socioeconomic groups and education
Often very expressive
May include slang
Personal space may be smaller
Maintaining eye contact can be interpreted as aggressive behavior
Family structure: Poorer
Matriarchal
Grand parents may be primary guardians of grandchildren
Parents may be young
Family structure: Middle class
Extended family
Family helps family
Death/Illness decisions/communication
Sometimes family makes decision about patient illness
some families do not want their family members to know how ill they are
Generally do not have advance directives
Pastor may play import role
Why greater risk of diseases?
Low income Stressful life conditions Lack of access to primary health care Negating health behaviors Suspicious of health professional
Nutrition (diet)
High in fat/cholesterol/sodium
Few vegetables/fruits
Ideal body weight may be considered undernourished
Infants may start on a mix of formula w/ cereal at 2 mo
Food is seen as a gift
Birth rites
Prenatal care often not sought until late pregnancy due to lack of insurance and poverty
Eating earth/clay is common practice
Food craving as a sign that the baby needs that specific food
Taking picture during pregnancy will cause stillbirth
Buying baby clothing before birth is considered bad luck
Delivery
To initiate labor at home
Castor oil
Taking rides on bumpy roads
Sniffing pepper
Postpartum
Mother is encouraged to get adequate rest
Avoid cold air
Belief that mother is more at risk of illness after delivery than the infant
Use of coin or belly band over umbilical stump
Contraception
Contraception is seen by some African Americans as an attempt at genocide (the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group)
Death rites
May not have an advance directive because family makes end of life decisions
Body must remain intact
Believe they have connection/communication with deceased relative
