Somali Culture's Health Care Issues

The purpose of this paper is to discuss a selected culture’s health care issues, analyze these health care issues from the nurse as educator’s perspective, and lastly state a health promotion intervention applicable to the selected culture. We as nurses care for a culturally diverse population of patients, especially in the Syracuse area. Consequently, it is crucial that nurses be culturally aware and competent, in order to provide the best patient care possible. In our local Syracuse area, there is a high population of patients of the Somali culture in the hospital setting. From professional and personal experiences, there are evident health care barriers present when caring for Somali patients. These health care
Because of the language barrier present with the Somali patient, health care professionals may need to utilize an interpreter if necessary (Purnell, 2014). As the nurse caring for a Somali patient, certain prayer times should be respected and if possible care times be centered around prayer (Purnell, 2014). The health care provider should also take into consideration that patients of Somali heritage prefer “same-sex” providers in their care (Purnell, 2014). It is important that the nurse include family members in the health education process, since the concept of family is very important in the Somali culture (Purnell, 2014). Common health conditions associated with people of the Somali heritage include: PTSD/ depression resulting from refugee conditions, tuberculosis, hepatitis B, Helicobacter pylori, malaria, intestinal parasites, and lactose deficiency (Purnell, 2014). Since, many Somalians in the U.S. are refugees, it has been found that there are high rates of diabetes and obesity are present with the changes in nutrition; due to the culture of American food, and lack of physical activity due to cold weather (Purnell, 2014). According to Purnell (2014), the
When assessing the Somali diet, beverages with a high sugar content such as coffee, tea, and soda are prevalent (Purnell, 2014). Specific food preferences, nutritional habits, diabetes education, along with exercise level should be evaluated by the healthcare professional (Purnell, 2014). Regarding pregnancy, individuals of Somali culture usually breast-feed their child as well as supplementation with formula. Also, during the time period after birth the Somali culture promotes forty days of rest for the mother, therefore family members assist with care (Purnell, 2014). Somalian health care practices are centered around tradition and religion and not being able to obtain prescription medication due to lack of insurance is an evident issue (Purnell, 2014). Also, Somali patients tend to use healing