Introduction
The United States of America is home to people from diverse cultural backgrounds from different parts of the world. There are about seven classes of cultural groups in the country. Hispanics or Latinos constitute the second largest and most expanding cultural group in the United States. The Hispanic cultural group is quite dynamic and diverse and carries a rich history. Some members are immigrants, while others have been born in the United States, and the generations contribute to the Hispanic culture. The community brags of a solid bond to their heritage and traditions and deeply rooted family values. This paper covers an interview with an elderly Hispanic man to help describe the relationship between health and culture in the community. Culture is central to the community and defines health practices, beliefs, and behaviors. The community’s cultural values and beliefs, such as the primacy of family, neighborhood, and spirituality, strongly influence how Hispanics approach health and care.
Interview Responses
The Hispanic cultural group has distinct roles for the male and female members of the community. The men are required to be the head of the family and perform duties such as providing for and protecting the family, making critical decisions, leading in moral and religious practices, and being role models to the children, mainly the sons. The female members are expected to manage the home by being the caregiver, bearing and raising children, observing the culture, and supporting the husband. It is also essential to indicate that both genders are expected to provide emotional support to the family.
The Hispanic cultural group in the United States is a convergence of individuals from different Spanish-speaking countries, especially in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Therefore, Hispanics’ language and communication patterns vary significantly, given their various places of origin. Hispanics prefer to use non-verbal forms of exchange, such as gestures, facial expressions, and body language. For example, Mexicans commonly greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. The cultural group’s communication is fortified by building rapport and relationships internally. This is illustrated by the importance of sharing the food and hospitality of the Hispanics.
Personal space and touch preferences are generally acceptable but vary significantly among Hispanics depending on personal beliefs and level of formality. A personal touch is allowed as a general way of showing care, affection, and friendliness. Common examples include a kiss on the cheek, a pat on the back, or a hug. Some Hispanics prefer to stay close to one another and interact more closely.
The Hispanics are flexible on time as they focus more on building relationships and enjoying the present moment. Even as personal preferences may vary, they are generally not punctual and do not prefer strict schedules and punctuality, which can be described as polychronic. For example, they do not see being late as a significant issue, like to multitask, and can easily adjust schedules. They enjoy the present moment and do not focus on chasing future goals and deadlines.
The Hispanics have divergent views about the causes of diseases in the community. The opinions range from cultural taboos, such as breaking certain cultural norms, eating particular foods at the wrong time, or dismissing certain traditional practices. Illness can also arise from supernatural entities, such as witchcraft, evil spirits, or curses. Social and emotional factors can cause diseases; for example, people can fall ill if they are stressed, sad, or in conflict with family members. The Hispanics can attribute illness to spiritual forces, such as maintaining a close spiritual relationship with God or the universe.
Traditionally, health-related decisions are a collective effort in Hispanic communities that involves all family members, including parents and grandparents. For example, a family discussion can be held when choosing a doctor or the type of medical treatment. However, in extreme cases, the family can turn to religion to seek comfort and guidance by consulting with a spiritual leader on the appropriate medical treatment.
The Hispanic culture generally prohibits people from consuming specific certain food items. These foods are considered taboo and should be avoided, and include pork, especially in the Catholic faith, and alcohol. On the other hand, Hispanics promote healthy eating habits by encouraging people to eat foods believed to help prevent and manage different diseases. These include traditional Hispanic cuisine that mainly comprises whole grains and includes fresh foods, such as legumes (black beans), vegetables (tomatoes), fruits (avocado), and lean proteins, which can support overall health and prevent certain diseases.
Hispanics are at risk of diseases that affect all other cultural groups in the United States. However, the cultural group has shown a high level of prevalence for chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases (heart disease), type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (kidney failure), HIV/AIDS, and certain types of cancer (stomach, liver, and cervical). The Hispanics practice several folk healing practices, but there are a few that are most common. There is a widespread use of alternative medicine practices, including herbs, plants, and their extracts. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine used by Hispanics to relieve pain, also cupping and massage therapy are exercised by Hispanics to promote blood circulation. Hispanics also practice healing through spirituality, which involves praying, other religious rituals, and energy healing that aims to energize the body using chakras and aura. The folk culture further entails applying homemade medications passed down from generation to generation.
Analysis of Health Risks and Applicable Medical Strategies
The interview was conducted with an older Hispanic man, and the responses indicate that the individual may be exposed to specific health risks. The risks discussed below are connected to a mixture of cultural, biological, and socioeconomic factors;
- Cardiovascular diseases are common among Hispanics, and adults could become victims because of the high prevalence of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dietary challenges.
- The same risk factors could mean the adult may suffer from chronic kidney disease.
- The individual may be at risk of cancer, especially lung, prostate, and colorectal cancer. The condition is a leading cause of death among older Hispanic adults, caused by poor prevention of diseases and exposure to environmental pollutants.
- Language and communication barriers expose the individual to limited access to health care, leading to diminished preventive care, stalled diagnoses, and expanded health issues.
- Finally, the adult may suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, caused by language challenges and cultural stigma.
The health risks should be addressed promptly to help enhance the health outcomes of older adults. Several interventions that may apply to the older adult include;
- Providing culturally appropriate health education focused on the impact of health beliefs, values, and practices. Masters (2020) states that health education can help the older adult to enhance the understanding and appreciation of healthy conduct and lifestyle essential to overcome chronic illnesses.
- The instruction can be improved by providing culturally appropriate nutrition education. It will direct the older adult to enhance the consumption of traditional diets, which can help improve his dietary habits and avert chronic health illnesses.
- The education can be bolstered through forging partnerships with community organizations and resources. Faith-based organizations, senior centers, and cultural organizations will play a significant role in ensuring that the adult has access to health promotion programs and resources needed to enhance his well-being (Masters, 2020).
- In addition, given the prominence of family in the Hispanic culture, it is essential to shore up support from the family in making decisions on the individual’s health (American Psychological Association, 2020). This will help improve the observance of a healthy lifestyle and overall health outcomes.
- Finally, given the diverse nature of the Hispanic community, it would be necessary to strengthen his understanding of the primary language in the United States, English. It will make it easy for him to understand health information and participate in health promotion programs (Dayer-Berenson, 2013). Language challenges can further be overcome by providing health resources and information in Spanish, the native language.
Conclusion
The Hispanic cultural group is diverse and dynamic and has a strong culture influencing people’s way of life. There is a clear division of roles between males and females, but the community strongly emphasizes family. Most individuals rely on family members for health advice and support rather than healthcare professionals. The widespread use of alternative medicine is preferred over conventional medicine, such as herbs and massage therapy. Nurses must respect and understand Hispanic cultural beliefs and practices to enhance the delivery of culturally competent care. This will be supported by education aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle for older adults in the cultural group centered on cultural values, beliefs, and practices. By implementing these strategies, nurses can help improve health outcomes and enhance the overall well-being of older adults in the Hispanic cultural group.
Reference
American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychology Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC.
Dayer-Berenson, L. (2013). Cultural Competencies for Nurses. (2nd Ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Masters, K. (2020). Role Development in Professional Nursing Practice (6th Ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.