- Of which biological variations among Korean Americans should the nurse be aware?
- Describe how stereotyping Puerto Ricans as similar to other Hispanic Americans can lead the nurse to errors in patient care.
- Describe the geographical location of Jordan, and indicate how this region of the world and the political turmoil experienced by Jordanians may have a profound political impact on the health and well-being of recently immigrated Jordanian Americans.
- 500 words, formatted, and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources
Biological Variations Among Korean Americans, Stereotyping Puerto Ricans in Healthcare, and the Impact of Jordan’s Geopolitical Climate on Jordanian Americans
Healthcare professionals must be aware of the biological variations, cultural nuances, and geopolitical influences that impact patient care. Understanding these factors ensures culturally competent care and prevents stereotyping, which can lead to medical errors. This essay explores key biological variations among Korean Americans, the dangers of stereotyping Puerto Ricans, and the impact of Jordan’s political turmoil on Jordanian American immigrants.
Biological Variations Among Korean Americans
Korean Americans present distinct biological variations that nurses must consider when providing care. One notable difference is their predisposition to certain genetic conditions, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and gastric cancer. According to Lee et al. (2019), gastric cancer rates among Korean Americans are significantly higher than in other ethnic groups, likely due to dietary habits and genetic predisposition. Additionally, Korean Americans often exhibit variations in drug metabolism, particularly with enzymes such as cytochrome P450, which can affect the efficacy of medications like warfarin and antihypertensive drugs (Park et al., 2021). Failure to recognize these pharmacogenomic differences may lead to adverse drug reactions or suboptimal treatment outcomes. Moreover, Korean Americans may have lactose intolerance at higher rates than other populations, influencing their dietary choices and nutritional needs. Awareness of these variations allows nurses to tailor interventions that align with patients’ physiological and genetic profiles.
The Dangers of Stereotyping Puerto Ricans in Healthcare
Assuming that Puerto Ricans share identical health beliefs and behaviors with other Hispanic Americans can lead to significant errors in patient care. While Puerto Ricans share cultural and linguistic ties with other Hispanic groups, they have unique health concerns and healthcare access issues. Puerto Ricans, as U.S. citizens, have different insurance coverage and eligibility compared to undocumented Hispanic immigrants, which affects their healthcare utilization (Rodriguez-Diaz et al., 2020). Additionally, Puerto Ricans have higher rates of asthma and obesity compared to other Hispanic subgroups, necessitating tailored interventions (Borrell & Crawford, 2021). A nurse who assumes that all Hispanic patients respond similarly to treatment may overlook these disparities, resulting in inadequate care planning. Furthermore, Puerto Ricans may have different attitudes toward traditional medicine, pain management, and mental health care, which necessitate a personalized approach rather than a one-size-fits-all mindset.
The Impact of Jordan’s Geopolitical Climate on Jordanian Americans’ Health
Jordan is located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Syria, Israel, and Palestine. Its geographical location places it at the center of regional conflicts, with a history of political instability and a high influx of refugees. Jordanian immigrants to the United States may experience profound political and psychological stress due to past trauma, economic instability, and concerns about family members remaining in Jordan. Political turmoil, including conflicts in neighboring countries and the economic strain of hosting refugees, contributes to challenges such as limited healthcare resources and economic hardship for Jordanians before immigration (Kira et al., 2019). These stressors may manifest in Jordanian American immigrants as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other mental health conditions that require culturally sensitive interventions. Additionally, cultural stigma surrounding mental health treatment within Jordanian communities may prevent individuals from seeking necessary care. Nurses must recognize these challenges and incorporate trauma-informed care strategies to address the holistic well-being of Jordanian American patients.
Conclusion
Culturally competent nursing care requires awareness of biological variations, cultural differences, and geopolitical influences on health. Recognizing the unique genetic predispositions of Korean Americans ensures personalized treatment plans. Avoiding stereotypes about Puerto Ricans prevents healthcare disparities and ensures equitable treatment. Understanding the impact of Jordan’s political climate on Jordanian American immigrants fosters compassionate care for patients experiencing trauma. By prioritizing cultural competence, nurses can provide patient-centered, effective, and ethical care.
References
Borrell, L. N., & Crawford, N. D. (2021). Socioeconomic position indicators and prevalence of obesity and diabetes among Hispanics in the United States. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 75(4), 378-384. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2020-214789
Kira, I. A., Shuwiekh, H., Kucharska, J., & Abu-Rashed, M. (2019). Jihadi terrorism trauma, oppression, mental health, and resilience in Muslim-majority countries and Muslim immigrants. Traumatology, 25(2), 111-123. https://doi.org/10.1037/trm0000181
Lee, J., Han, M. A., Park, J., & Kim, J. (2019). The prevalence of gastric cancer among Korean Americans and the need for targeted screening programs. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 20(12), 3797-3803. https://doi.org/10.31557/APJCP.2019.20.12.3797
Park, H., Cho, S., & Kim, Y. (2021). Pharmacogenomic differences in drug metabolism among East Asians: Implications for personalized medicine. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 647234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.647234
Rodriguez-Diaz, C. E., Guillén, A. M., & Alis, J. C. (2020). Healthcare access for Puerto Ricans in the United States: Barriers and policy recommendations. Health Policy, 124(5), 513-520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.02.005