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 two or three different cultures.
- Discuss the historical perspectives and belief systems of these cultures that influence the high-risk nutritional behaviors.
- Discuss the role of the health care provider in caring for individuals with 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 two outside resources in addition to the textbook. Be sure resources are current within the last five years.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
high risk-nutritional behaviors practiced among different cultures
Nutrition plays a critical role in maintaining good health, and it is influenced by various factors such as culture, beliefs, and historical perspectives. Different cultures have unique dietary practices, and some of these practices may lead to high-risk nutritional behaviors that can adversely affect health. This paper examines high-risk nutritional behaviors associated with different cultures, their historical perspectives, belief systems, and other factors.
One culture that practices high-risk nutritional behaviors is the Hispanic culture. Hispanics are known to consume a diet rich in carbohydrates, fats, and sodium. They consume high amounts of rice, beans, tortillas, and meats, which can lead to high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. The traditional Hispanic diet is based on their historical perspective of eating large meals together as a family. Hispanics believe that food is a source of pleasure, and the more they eat, the happier they become. Additionally, they believe that eating large meals shows hospitality and caring for guests. This belief system has contributed to high-risk nutritional behaviors among the Hispanic community.
Another culture that practices high-risk nutritional behaviors is the African American culture. African Americans have been found to consume a diet high in fat, sodium, and sugar. They consume high amounts of fried foods, processed meats, and sweetened beverages, which can lead to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Historically, African Americans were brought to America as slaves, and their diet was limited to foods that were inexpensive and easily accessible, such as fatty meats and grains. Additionally, they believe that certain foods have medicinal properties, such as collard greens, which are believed to be good for the heart. This belief system has contributed to high-risk nutritional behaviors among the African American community.
Healthcare providers play a critical role in caring for individuals with high-risk nutritional behaviors. For Hispanics, education is essential in addressing their high-risk nutritional behaviors. Healthcare providers can provide nutrition education in a culturally sensitive manner that takes into account the belief system and family roles. For example, providers can teach Hispanics how to prepare traditional foods in a healthier way, such as using less oil and adding more vegetables to their meals. Additionally, healthcare providers can encourage family members to participate in nutrition education programs to promote healthier dietary practices.
For African Americans, healthcare providers can play a crucial role in addressing high-risk nutritional behaviors by addressing the belief system and health care practices. For example, providers can emphasize the importance of consuming a balanced diet and encourage patients to try new foods that are healthier. Healthcare providers can also educate patients on the importance of regular physical activity and provide resources to support healthy lifestyle changes. Moreover, healthcare providers can educate African Americans on how to prepare traditional foods in a healthier way.
In conclusion, different cultures have unique dietary practices that can lead to high-risk nutritional behaviors. The Hispanic and African American cultures have specific high-risk nutritional behaviors associated with their historical perspectives, belief systems, and other factors. Healthcare providers play an essential role in caring for individuals with high-risk nutritional behaviors by providing education, addressing family roles, spiritual beliefs, health care practices, and drug and alcohol use. By understanding the unique dietary practices of different cultures, healthcare providers can provide culturally sensitive care and promote healthier dietary practices.