Cultural Group African Americans

Family
Strong extended family relationships, mother as head of household; older Family members valued and respected

View of Health
View health as harmony with nature, and illness with disruption to harmony Food as a symbol of health and wealth Use of folk healing & home remedies common

View of Pain
Illness commonly associate with pain Pain/suffering inevitable; relief achieved through prayers and laying on of hands Pain described by diverse body symptoms

View of Life
Individuals vulnerable to external forces Belief of illness as natural (due to natural forces person hasnt protected self against) and unnatural (due to person or spirit) View of life as a cycle with everything connected to health

View of Pregnancy
View of pregnancy as state of wellness

Labor, Birthing, etc

Emotional support during labor commonly from other women, primarily the womans own mother Liberal use of oil on newborns and infants scalp and skin

Asian Americans

Strong loyalty to family Family as the center with members expected to care for one another Respect for authority emphasized Women subordinate to men young subordinate to older persons family loyalty is primary

Use of complementary modalities along with Western health care View health as a balance between yang and yin

View of pregnancy as a natural process and happy time for women

Little involvement of father during labor Women quiet, stoic appearance during labor Protection of women from cold forces for 30 days after birth of newborn

Arab Americans

Little emphasis on preventive care Good health associated with eating properly, consuming nutritious foods, & fasting to cure disease Illness is due to inadequate diet, shifts in hot and cold, exposure of stomach while sleeping, emotional or spiritual distress, and evil eye

View of pain as unpleasant, requiring immediate control or relief

Cleanliness important for prayer

Pain of labor demonstrated via facial expressions, verbalizations, and body movements; reluctant to use breathing and relaxation techniques during labor Wrapping of newborns stomach at birth to prevent cold or wind from entering babys body Birthmarks on newborn due to unsatisfied maternal cravings Breastfeeding is often delayed 2-3 days after birth Newborn not given colostrum

Native Americans

High value on family & tribe Respect for elders Family as an extended network providing care for newborns and children Women as the verbal decision maker

Health as harmony in nature; illness due to disharmony, evil spirits

View of pain as something that can be tolerated

Restoration of physical, mental, and spiritual balance through healing ceremonies Celebrations to mark the stages of growth and development Use of food to celebrate life events & healing & religious ceremonies Use of food for celebrations and socialization

View of pregnancy as a normal and natural process, entire family may be present at birth

Hispanic

Family is important Father is the source of strength, wisdom, and self-confidence Mother is the caretaker and decision-maker for health; children are persons who will continue the family and culture

Health as Gods will, maintainable with a balance of hot and cold food intake Folk medicine practices and prayers, herbal teas and poultices for illness treatment

Freedom from pain indicative of good health; pain tolerated stoically due to belief that it is Gods will

Birthmarks on newborn due to unsatisfied maternal cravings Mothers legs brought together after birth of newborn to prevent air from entering uterus Possibly boisterous and loud during labor Bed rest first 3 days postpartum; no bathing for 14 days Newborn protection from evil eye

** Jehovah Witness- no blood transfusions