Running head: CULTURAL ANALYSIS 1

Cultural Analysis of Latin American Healthcare Beliefs and Practices

Brittaney Bures
University of South Florida



























CULTURAL ANALYSIS 2
Cultural Analysis of Latin American Healthcare Beliefs and Practices
Understanding cultural beliefs has become increasingly important when it comes to
treating patients. Failure to understand and respond appropriately to culture values and beliefs
can prevent healthcare workers from providing optimal care to patients (Carteret, 2011). When
caring for patients with a different cultural background, it is imperative that healthcare providers
are culturally aware and culturally competent. Being culturally competent means being able to
understand how cultural beliefs and practices influence our daily lives and recognize that people
with cultural backgrounds different from our own have unique values, life way, health practices,
and interpersonal styles (Anderson, 2011, p. 112).
Interview
To learn more about Latin American culture and beliefs, an interview was conducted on a
30 year-old male, Cesar, who was originally born and raised in the capital of Colombia, Bogota.
At age 16, Cesar moved to the United States where he currently lives with his grandmother, his
sister, and her husband.
His grandmother, or abuelita, is often the one that prepares dinner for the family.
Traditional Colombian foods favored most by the family include rice, potatoes, kidney beans,
lentils, blood sausage, and chorizo, often prepared with generous amounts of salt. When asked
how these food choices have influenced his health, Cesar stated that these foods provide him
with energy.
Cesars parents both still reside in Colombia, but have plans to move to the United States
in 2017. Cesar makes visits to see them yearly. At that time, he also schedules his annual
physical exam and dental appointments, both of which are providers he has been going to since
he was young. His doctor and dentist are friends of the family that have earned the familys trust
CULTURAL ANALYSIS 3
and respect. Cesars mother, father, and other family members go to them, as well. In their
culture, healthcare providers are typically chosen based on friends and family member
recommendation.
Cesar has seen medical professionals in the United States and says that he has never felt
discriminated against or taken advantage of. He feels that his ability to speak and understand
English proficiently helps. He is not faced with a language barrier like most of his family would
be. He also mentioned that he and his family alike rarely go to the doctor. Medical care is often
only sought out in emergency or more severe cases, where traditional home remedies are
typically used. A practice that he and his family currently use to prevent illness is to eat a
spoonful of raw garlic once a week. In Colombia, his family also uses flowers and other plants as
natural remedies when treating or preventing illnesses.
Cesar believes that illnesses he has had in the past are related to him not properly taking
care of himself. He reports that the most recent injury occurred while he was playing soccer and
his leg muscles cramped up. Not getting the appropriate nutrients, hydration, and rest were all
factors he contributes to his injury. The injury healed on its own with adequate rest and
stretching. This is something, he states, that he would not see a doctor for. He believes that if he
takes care of himself, it will get better on its own.
Comparison
People of the Latin American culture place high value on family. They believe that
decisions, including healthcare decisions, are largely based on pleasing the family and should not
be made individually (Carteret, 2011). Similarly, Cesar stated in his interview that healthcare
decisions and providers are typically based on family and friends referral. He also mentioned
the importance of trust and respect as it relates to his healthcare. Cesar has been using the same
CULTURAL ANALYSIS 4
healthcare providers for years since they have achieved the highest level of respect and trust
within the family. People who are not family or considered close friends often take more time to
be trusted (Carteret, 2011). In order to gain trust within their culture, healthcare workers should
be attentive to the patient and family, while taking their time and showing concern. Friendly
physical gestures, such as handshakes or placing a hand on the shoulder, are appreciated and
perceived as warmth and caring. Rushed, detached, or impersonal affect may result in the patient
and family members losing trust and feeling dissatisfied with care (Carteret, 2011).
Case Scenario
For the patient that has recently developed diabetes, it would be important for the
community health nurse to apply the theory of preservation and/or maintenance. Encouraging
the patient to continue including family members in the decision-making process respects the
individuals autonomy (Anderson, 2011, p. 76). The theory of accommodation and/or
negotiation ensures that the outcome of care is fitting for the culture of the individual and family.
Nursing practices could be adjusted to place more emphasis on educating the patients family.
Family involvement promotes a feeling of closeness and also allows for participation in care of
the patient.
Conclusion
Healthcare providers should be familiar with cultural values and beliefs of patients with
different cultural backgrounds (Carteret, 2011). Family, respect, and kindness are valued most in
the Latin American culture. Understanding these cultural values and beliefs will provide
healthcare workers with the best outcome of care. Understanding should not be confused with
stereotyping, keeping in mind that there might be variations within the culture related to socio-
economics, education, degree of acculturation, and English proficiency (Carteret, 2011).
CULTURAL ANALYSIS 5
References
Anderson, E. T., & McFarlane, J. M. (2011). Community as partner: theory and practice in
nursing (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Carteret, M. (2011). Dimensions of culture: cross-cultural communications for
healthcare professionals. Retrieved May 29, 2014, from
http://www.dimensionsofculture.com/2011/03/cultural-values-of-latino-patients-and-
families/