Please reply to this discussion post. 2 paragraphs. 2 References. APA.
As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) who plans to reside in such a culturally diverse city such as Miami, Fl it is extremely important that we are not just familiarized and conscientious of our own values, beliefs, culture, and self-concept, but that we are aware cognizant of others’ cultures, beliefs and values and how they could potentially impact not just the patient’s overall health, but the interventions we plan to implement to improve their health. As the percentage of patients with type 2 diabetes and the epidemic of obesity on the continual rise in Hispanics and African Americans, it is imperative that we as providers understand the factors contributing to these alarming numbers. Clinical trials have demonstrated that understanding the factors contributing to these health concerns and providing culturally tailored interventions can be efficient and effective (Joo & Liu, 2021).
Research conducted demonstrated the positive impact of several culturally tailored interventions on type 2 diabetes and these included open discussions of cultural beliefs about diabetes and their treatments, employing use of their native language, integrating cultural dietary preferences, and encouraging family participation and support (Joo & Liu, 2021). With respect to obesity, research has been conducted to examine culturally influenced interventions geared towards family genetics, behaviors, and the environment by using e-health as an opportunity to deliver interactive, culturally diverse, tailored information, however this was found to be largely dependent on literacy levels (Gustafson et al., 2010). Hispanic and African Americans who were surveyed prior to and after using the web, for example, to search health related information stated that the information available was not in lay-mans terms, difficult to comprehend, and interactive databases that contained simulated health care workers delivered the information much too quickly for them (Gustafson et al., 2010).
Mitrani (2010) references that culturally tailored interventions requires providers have an understanding of common root causes of disorders and culturally related factors that influence such disorders- a linkage must be established. As the daughter of Cuban immigrants, most family gatherings are centered around food and family dinners are quite the norm. Even though each member of the family is of a different educational circumstance or literacy level, generation, or of native language, the food preferences remain consistent: lechon (pig), white rice, black beans, and yuca (cassava). As children we are told to eat everything served on our plates. The portions are relatively large. It is important in this instance to understand that our support system and how we are raised can be of significant impact on our nutritional values, beliefs, and our overall health. It is of particular importance then that when discussing methods of preventing and treating disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity that we include cultural influences in our intervention measures. When discussing nutrition with my grandmother who did not attend any form of schooling in Cuba and who does not speak any English, it became evident that it is difficult to even intepret and understand nutritional information listed on packaging on some of the foods she commonly purchases. As someone with type 2 diabetes it is vital that she be able to understand such information so that she could better control her blood glucose levels.
One of the most valued traits of an APRN is their ability to impact a patient’s health through education. It is important that we are both aware and sensitive to the cultural differences amongst are patients and that no two cases are exactly alike. Interventions should be tailored to each individual patient. When giving the patient an instructional handout on the food pyramid or discussing a food groups impact on health, we as APRN’s need to assure that patients can understand the information we are providing them with. Questions that should be addressed when providing such education may include the language of the information, the education level of the patient reading the information, and even whether the patient socioeconomically will be able to comply with such interventions.