Examine the high-risk nutritional behaviors associated with different cultures. Identify the historical perspectives, belief systems, and other factors associated with these high-risk nutritional behaviors for each culture. Write a 1,500-3,000 word paper on your findings in which you accomplish the following:
Summarize the high risk-nutritional behaviors practiced among 10 different cultures.
Discuss the historical perspectives and belief systems of these cultures that influence the high-risk nutritional behaviors.
Explore additional influencing factors on high-risk behaviors for each culture. These may include, but are not limited to (a) education, (b) family roles, (c) spiritual beliefs, (d) health care practices, and (e) drug and alcohol use.
This paper requires minimum of six outside resources in addition to the textbook, properly documented using APA guidelines. Transcultural Health Care – A Culturally Competent Approach
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High-Risk Behaviors, Nutrition, and Childbearing Introduction While mankind is created equal in God’s sight, all people are not the same, especially when health care is involved. Ethnic groups have the right to equal treatment and may demand the same benefits as any other group, but biocultural differences must be noted in administering medical care. Men and women further complicate health care procedures by engaging in high-risk behaviors, failing to maintain proper nutritional habits, and engaging in superstitious or ritualistic behaviors. When people present themselves for medical attention, they present their ethnic variations, conditions caused by their economic status or point of origin, and their unconventional beliefs and practices about proper health practices. What is visible may be drastically affected by what is not apparent. High-Risk Behaviors The fact that human beings place themselves at risk by engaging in behaviors known to cause medical conditions and diseases would be unbelievable if it were not so common. To understand this widespread phenomenon, one need only mention overeating. Obesity, which is easily preventable, is rampant in the United States. It is not contagious, and the cure is widely known but not practiced. Other high-risk behaviors, such as smoking, should be reduced by education, warning labels, and visible dire results…yet the behavior continues. Add cultural tradition to the mix, and risky behaviors become even more dominant. Some belief systems actually aid in controlling unhealthy behaviors. The Amish, for example, prohibit the use of alcohol and tobacco. Arabs, due to their Islamic faith, also have a low rate of alcohol consumption; however, the rate of tobacco use among Arab men is quite high. The rate of tobacco use among Arab women is quite low because of the taboo against women smoking. Immigrants find the stress of daily living in the “land of plenty” enough to turn them to alcohol consumption. There is also the stress of fitting into the land they saw portrayed in the movies (often old movies). Perhaps Americans show immigrants bad habits? Nutrition Since food is a main source of nutrition, the availability of foods dictates what is eaten. Some groups who have settled in coastal areas consume a healthy amount of seafood. Some focus on wild game, such as in the Appalachians. A good supply of vegetables assists those living in rural areas, where gardens are popular. Unfortunately, many immigrants have settled in cities where wild game and gardens are not readily available. In addition, city dwellers often struggle financially, which causes a reliance on whatever is affordable for food. America is noted for fast food, a highly addictive opportunity for an impromptu meal. Immigrants, especially the children of immigrants, adapt quickly to the fast food habit. Fortunately, many fast food establishments are becoming more cognizant of their contribution to nutrition and are reducing the amount of trans fats and the number of calories in their food. Traditions and superstitions also dictate eating habits. For example, throughout the United States on New Year’s Day, one can find pots of beans or black-eyed peas being cooked for good luck in the coming year, a belief emanating from the South. Other Southern foods are popular, especially in African American cultures, which may not adhere to the expectation of being “too skinny.” Many foods are fried or barbecued, with added gravies and sauces. Asian cultures tend not to eat desserts heavy in sugar. Many of their vegetables are steamed. Tofu, a good source of protein, is a staple in most Asian diets, which include nuts and lightly fried vegetables. Asian cultures tend to be very health conscious. Of course, there is a large consumption of tea, a drink whose merits are being touted by dieticians. All cultures do not eat foods low in nutritional value. Celebrations often promote overeating. Religious events focus on eating. Gathering people together calls for food, and not health food. Consuming alcoholic drinks is expected at many celebrations. While many associations and clubs promote healthy living, people, in general, do not embrace the ideas. Superstitions and celebrations are given precedence over the opinions and research of health professionals. Pregnancy and Childbearing Practices It is easy to observe that many women do not receive proper medical supervision while carrying their babies or even while giving birth. Strong determinants of the type of health care that is received are cost and availability, but attitude toward childbearing plays an important role, too. In many cultures, childbearing is a normal, and usually happy, occurrence. It is often considered a woman’s domain, and men exclude themselves from the birth event. Natural childbirth is embraced in many cultures, or a midwife may be used. Procedures vary greatly. The length of time a new mother must remain in bed varies from no days to 30 or 40 days. Ritualistic practices may dictate a series of cleansing baths–or no baths at all–following childbirth. Certain foods may be considered necessary for proper healing. Foods craved during pregnancy may be regarded as foods necessary to meet the needs of the fetus and therefore must be procured. Much pressure is placed on potential parents in countries like China, where the Han Chinese are permitted to have only one child. Although contraceptives are widely available, it is believed that abortion is a common practice for those who already have a child, or who are not yet ready to have their one and only child. For the health practitioner, practices that will not harm the child or mother should be accepted because of the importance to the peace of mind of the parents and grandparents. Standing in the way of a simple harmless practice is futile when the happiness of the family is concerned. Conclusion Practices recorded in the text show the great variety of health attitudes and high-risk behaviors that affect nutrition and childbearing. It is the job of the health professional to know and understand beliefs and to separate the harmless ones from those that could cause serious problems. If a practice is just different, it is not worth the effort to stand against a superstition. If a health risk poses a concern, one needs to have a knowledge base to counteract the risk.
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