Heritage Assessment Review Essay Example

Become (2003), nurses must have open-mindedness and cultural awareness to meet patients' complex needs.

The questionnaire only allows for one-sided questions and does not offer an opportunity to assess other beliefs, boundaries, or characteristics of individuals.

To complete this assignment, individuals from four different ethnic groups - Chinese, Filipino, West Indian, and African-American born in urban Philadelphia - completed the Heritage Assessment tool. Health maintenance involves illness prevention and maximizing function.

In the African-American community, health promotion mainly targets youth and elderly individuals. Programs such as Get Moving and the Silver Sneaker club emphasize healthier diets and prioritize exercise.

The African-American diet, which includes fried foods and meals with high levels of fats, starches, cheeses, and sugars, can contribute to health problems like high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and diabetes. A nationwide project aims to promote healthier living and improve the lifespan and quality of life for individuals and communities affected by this diet. This initiative is also gaining traction in Indian culture where the diet consists of rice, Tapioca fish, meat, vegetables, and spicy foods.

However, the West Indian countries face poor socio-economic conditions. They have both private and government hospitals that provide health education through public health nurses during times of crisis. For example, if there are cases of typhoid in hospital wards, nurses will educate the community about preventive measures. In contrast to this approach, Chinese culture emphasizes a connection to the earth's energy through yin and yang principles as well as meditation practices. The Chinese diet focuses on health by incorporating grains, seafood,and vegetables.

Additionally,the Chinese rely on spices and herbs such as gingerand sassafras for pain reliefand treating illnesses.On the

other hand,African-American communities put great faith in prayer for healing due to their strong belief in a higher power.In this context,the actofprayer holds significant value.The study interviewed nursing professionals who migrated to America with their boss. These individuals have achieved socio-economic stability, allowing them to financially support the healthcare needs of their aging parents in their home country. In contrast, the United States offers state-funded medical care. Keith (2000) states that healthcare is obtained based on one's ability to pay in the US, whereas foreign countries have cash-based healthcare systems where those who can afford it receive the best care. The Filipino interviewer and her siblings send money back to the Philippines so that their mother can receive dialysis and avoid kidney failure. Similarly, the Indian nurse mentioned how drug addiction and prescription drug abuse are uncommon in the West Indies because individuals must pay for pain management medications. The text highlights that accessibility, accountability, and support from immediate family and community are crucial for maintaining health. Andrews (2008) emphasizes that different cultural or ethnic groups have customs and traditions that play a significant role in maintaining health. Understanding and respecting individuals' cultural beliefs related to healthcare is emphasized as important in this text.The text emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and respecting various forms of alternative medicine, such as folk remedies, herbs, acupuncture, meditation, and prayer. It stresses the need for healthcare providers to have an open-minded approach and conduct a comprehensive initial assessment with patients in order to establish trust and deliver appropriate care. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of spirituality within the African-American community and recognizes that cultural awareness is crucial for nursing

accountability. Assessing not only the individual but also their family, community, and society as a whole is essential for delivering high-quality care. This approach goes beyond what is covered in the Heritage Assessment but has proven to yield positive outcomes.