NURS3803 Module 6: Cultural Considerations & Tools for Nutrition

What is culture?

attitudes, beliefs, customs shared by a particular group that guide thoughts and actions

How can a nurse be culturally competent?

- increase awareness of different cultures

- respect cultural preferences of patients

- include cultural/religious dietary preferences and considerations when assessing nutritional needs

What are some general Asian food patterns?

- preparation includes stir-frying, barbecuing, boiling, and steaming

- dairy products are rarely used

- major staple is white rice

- lactose intolerance is common

- use legumes a lot

- vegetarian or vegan diet is common

- fish is the most common meat

What are some general Hispanic food patterns?

- rich in complex carbs such as corn, beans, and rice

- often high in fat due to deep-frying

- may be lower in green leafy and yellow vegetables

What are some general African-American food patterns?

- influenced mainly by foods from the southern US

- traditional diet includes collard greens, legumes, beans, rice, potatoes, and other dark-green and yellow vegetables

- high in vitamin A, iron, and fiber

- food is often fried and/or includes a rich sauce or gravy

- many are lactose intolerant

What are some general food patterns of Buddhism?

- some may be vegetarian

- rice is a staple

- moderate eating is a common practice

- need encouragement to consume calorie-dense foods when healing

What are some general food patterns of Hinduism?

- majority are vegetarians

- some may eat fish and consume dairy products

What are some general food patterns of Judaism?

- kosher food products are approved for consumption by Jewish people

- most devout members do not combine milk and meat in the same meal

- traditional orthodox Jewish people keep a separate set of dishes and silverware for meat and milk

- many do not consume pork

- seafood w/o fins and scales is not eaten

What are some general food patterns of Muslims?

- advised to stop eating when they are still hungry and to share food

- prohibit eating pork and drinking alcohol

- Saum: ritual of fasting from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan (sick individuals typically do not have to fast)

What are characteristics of Yin foods?

- hot

- higher in calories

- thought to improve circulation by increasing the metabolism

What are characteristics of Yang foods?

- cool

- eliminate toxins by lowering the metabolism

What foods are considered "hot" in some Hispanic cultures?

- chili peppers

- garlic

- onions

- most grains

- expensive cuts of meat

- oils

- alcohol

What foods are considered "cold" in some Hispanic cultures?

- most vegetables

- tropical fruits

- dairy products

- inexpensive cuts of meat

What is food security?

access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life

What are the minimum requirements for food security?

- ready availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods

- an assured ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways

What is food insecurity?

limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways

What is a food desert?

an area in a developed country where healthy food is difficult to obtain

What are economical obstacles to eating nutritious foods?

- cost

- accessibility

- knowledge

- lack of transportation

- limited cooking area/equipment

- proximity of nearby markets

What factors other than culture may impact food choice?

- religion

- socioeconomic status

- the foods they have access to

- mood

- knowledge about nutrition

- personal taste preference

What are risk factors for elderly adult malnutrition?

- decreased mobility

- stress and depression

- dementia

- decreased appetite

- dysphagia

- dental issues decreasing chewing ability

What areas are assessed in the mini nutrition assessment (MNA)?

- recent decline in food intake

- recent weight loss

- mobility

- psychological stress or acute disease

- neuropsychological problems

- BMI

- calf circumference (CC)

What is the purpose of the mini nutrition assessment (MNA)?

to assess for malnutrition or risk of malnutrition in the elderly

How do culture and ethnicity influence food choices?

a. They determine nutritional content of foods

b. They dictate whether foods are prepared in healthy or unhealthy ways

c. They influence dietary preferences and food rituals

d. They prevent individuals from adopting new food habits

c. They influence dietary preferences and food rituals

What is a suggested way to make cultural food traditions more nutritious?

a. Eliminate traditional dishes entirely

b. Substitute lower-fat ingredients

c. Focus solely on traditional methods of preparation

d. Increase alcohol consumption

b. Substitute lower-fat ingredients

Many African-Americans are lactose intolerant, which may affect their intake of which nutrient?

a. Carbohydrates

b. Protein

c. Calcium

d. Iron

c. Calcium

Which dietary law is common among Muslims during Ramadan?

a. Avoiding red meat entirely

b. Fasting from dawn until sunset

c. Consuming dairy only at night

d. Eating only plant-based foods

b. Fasting from dawn until sunset

In Hindu dietary practices, which of the following is generally avoided?

a. Fish and eggs

b. Beef and pork

c. Dairy products

d. Fruits and vegetables

b. Beef and pork

What is one challenge when providing nutrition for individuals following a Hindu diet?

a. High iron deficiency due to the consumption of dairy products

b. Difficulty meeting protein requirements due to a vegetarian diet

c. High risk of vitamin D toxicity due to dairy consumption

d. Excessive fat consumption from deep-fried foods

b. Difficulty meeting protein requirements due to a vegetarian diet

In Chinese medicine, the balance between which two forces is important for health?

a. Salt and sugar

b. Yin and yang

c. Fats and carbohydrates

d. Iron and zinc

b. Yin and yang

What is the "hot and cold" concept commonly found in Hispanic cultures?

a. It refers to avoiding all spicy foods

b. It relates to balancing foods and herbs based on their perceived temperature properties

c. It emphasizes the consumption of only hot foods to avoid illness

d. It involves drinking hot liquids only during meals

b. It relates to balancing foods and herbs based on their perceived temperature properties

What is the impact of lower socio-economic status on nutrition?

a. Lower rates of obesity and overnutrition

b. Greater access to fresh, nutritious foods

c. Increased likelihood of both undernutrition and overnutrition

d. Higher levels of physical activity

c. Increased likelihood of both undernutrition and overnutrition

The concept of "food security" ensures access to which of the following?

a. Only calorie-dense foods

b. Affordable foods high in fat

c. Nutritionally adequate and safe foods

d. Foods with minimal environmental impact

c. Nutritionally adequate and safe foods

In Hinduism, why is meat consumption often avoided?

a. It is considered sacred, and eating it violates religious rules

b. It is believed to cause health problems

c. It represents life, and consuming it is considered immoral

d. Meat is not available in many Hindu-majority areas

c. It represents life, and consuming it is considered immoral

What is one of the primary food concerns in African-American food patterns due to food preparation?

a. Overconsumption of low-fat foods

b. Excessive use of frying and rich sauces, increasing fat and caloric intake

c. Lack of protein sources in the diet

d. Over-reliance on fresh fruits and vegetables

b. Excessive use of frying and rich sauces, increasing fat and caloric intake