1. Lan Vu Aimie Terry Sharon Kim Sherwin Ybera NUR 312
2014
2. Introduction
3. Basic World View Collectivist God guides life Patriarchal
Women are expected to be submissive to men. High level of respect
for elders, health-care providers, and religious leaders. Hot and
Cold therapy Value education Extended family serves as a support
system. (Purnell, 2013).
4. Geographic Origins Inhabited by Tano Indians Found by
Columbus during his second voyage to America. Ruled by Spain for
over 400 years. Numbers of residents decreased due to infectious
diseases and warfare. Became possession of U.S in 1898 after
Spanish-American war. Jones Act of 1917 all Puerto Ricans became
U.S. citizens. (Purnell, 2013).
5. Current Life in America Over 3 million living in U.S. Many
reside in Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, and New York. (Purnell,
2013). 28% high school diploma 29% work in sales and office
occupation (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). 28%
live in poverty Annual income is $25,000 a year 12% unemployment
rate (U.S. Census Bureau, as cited by Brown, 2013).
6. Beliefs Related to Individuals Collectivism is highly valued
by this cultural group Children are the center of the family
Familism-social pattern in which family tradition assumes a
superior position over individual rights and interest (Purnell,
2013). Value the unity of family Women are considered the main
caregivers Female mothers tend to be protective of their children
and may use physical punishment. (Purnell, 2008).
7. Beliefs Related to Family Most families expect their
children to stay at home until married or expected to pursue
college. Male children are taught to be powerful and strong,
domineering over women. Female children are taught to assume the
roles of motherhood, home economics and family dynamics which gives
them a powerful social status. Elderly tend to live with their
children and be cared for financially and emotionally (Purnell,
2013)
8. Beliefs Related to Family Continued Elderly see placement in
a nursing home as inconsiderate. Family members are expected to be
at the bedside of the ill. Taboo related to Homosexuality (Purnell,
2013). Personalismo in this culture is highly valued Health and
disease may be deemed consequences of Gods approval or disapproval
of a persons behavior (Chong, 2002).
9. Health Care Practices Have a curative view of health Puerto
Ricans tend to underuse health promotion and preventive services
Use emergency health care services for acute problems Good hygiene
is a basic concept of health promotion Folk and traditional
practices o Espiritistas - communicate with spirits o Santeria
focus on health promotion Botanicas folk religious store Family
members- source of support and care (Purnell, 2013).
10. Health Care Practices cont. May be loud and outspoken in
expressing pain Mental illness carries a stigma Organ donation is
seen as an act of good will and gift of life Autopsy may be seen as
a violation of the body May have a gender or age bias against
Health Care Providers (HCP) HCP seen as a wise authority figures
Barriers to health care Insurance Lack of access Poor
English-language skills Low acculturation Poor socioeconomic status
Lack of transportation (Purnell, 2013).
11. Health Care Practices cont. High Risk Behavior Leading
Cause of Death Alcoholism Marijuana Tobacco Cocaine Lack of condom
(Chong, 2002). Heart disease Cancer HIV Accidents Homicide (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013).
12. Health Care Practices cont. Beneficial practices: rubbing
the stomach or back gently with cooking oil for empacho (Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). cold condition is
treated with hot medication and vise versa Use tea from alligators
tail, snails, or savila (plant leaves) for asthma and congestive
heart failure Also use boiled mint, tea, or lemon tree tea Neutral
practices: Fanning the face or blowing into the patients face is
believed to provide oxygen and relieve dyspnea Dysfunctional
practices: Alcolado (smelling or rubbing isopropyl alcohol)
alleviate nausea and vomiting (Purnell, 2013).
13. Food Preferences and Traditions Common Food: Fritters,
pastas, breads, crackers, vegetables, and fruits. Favorite side
dish: Tostones, fried green or ripe plantains Most common viandas
(roots vegetable) : celery roots, sweet potatoes, dasheens, yams,
breadfruit, breadfruit, breadnut, green and ripe plantains, green
bananas, tanniers, cassava, and chayote squash or christophines
(Purnell, 2013).
14. Food Rituals Traditional Puerto Rican Families usually
begin their day with a cup of coffee or caf con leche (coffee with
milk) such as espresso with lots of sugar before breakfast. Many
family introduce children to coffee as early as 5 or 6 years of
age. A traditional Puerto Rican breakfast: oatmeal, cornmeal, rice,
wheat cereal cooked with vanilla, cinnamon, sugar, salt and milk.
Lunch (noon) and dinner ( 5:00 or 6:00p.m.) A cup of espresso-like
coffee served : 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. (Purnell, 2013).
15. Food Preferences and Traditions Main dishes: Rice and stew
habichuelas (beans), served as many as 12 side dishes. Consider
complete meal: rice cooked with vegetable or meat (Purnell, 2009,
p. 415). Seasonings for rice stew (guisado) : sofrito (cilantro,
recao, onions, green peppers, and other non spicy ingredients.
Traditional holiday dish : rice with gandules , pernil asado-pork,
pasteles- root vegetable, green plantain, bananas, or condiments
filled with meat and wraped with platain leaves (Purnell,
2013).
16. Hot-Cold Classification Hot Illnesses: Include: GI diseases
(constipation, diarrhea, Crohns colitis, ulcer; bleeding)
pregnancy, menopause, rashes, acne, headaches, heart disease;
urological illnesses. Treated with: cocoa products, alcoholic
beverages, caffeine products, hot cereals from wheat and corn,
salt, spices and condiments, beans, nuts and seeds. Cold Illnesses:
Include: Osteomuscular disease (arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,
multiple sclerosis), menstruation, respiratory illnesses. Treated
with: rice, milk, barley water, sugar, root vegetables, avocado,
fruits, vegetables, white meat, honey, onions (Purnell, 2013).
17. Dietary and Health Practices Menstruation Foods taboo:
Avoid spices, cold beverages, acid-citric fruits and substances,
chocolate and coffee. Foods encouraged: Plenty of hot fluids, such
as cinnamon tea, milk with cinnamon and sugar, teas such as
chamomile, anise seed, linden tea, mint leaves Health practices:
Avoid exercise and practice good hygiene, Do not walk barefoot.
Avoid wind and rain, Stay as warm as possible Pregnancy Foods
taboo: Avoid hot food, sauces, condiments, chocolate products,
coffee, beans, pork, fritters, oily foods, and citric products.
Foods encouraged: Milk, beef, chicken, vegetables, fruits, ponches.
Health practice: Rest and get plenty of sleep. Eat plenty of food.
Follow diet cautiously. Many avoid sexual intercourse early in
pregnancy. Practice good hygiene and take warm showers. Lactation
Foods taboo: Avoid beans, cabbages, lettuce, seeds, nuts, port,
chocolate, coffee, and hot food items at all at times. Foods
encouraged: Milk, water, ponches, chicken soup, chicken, beef,
pastas, hot cereals. Health practice: Avoid cold temperatures and
wind. A few may avoid showering for several days during the
cuarentena after birth. Great attention is paid to health of the
mother. Infant feeding Food taboo: Avoid beans, too much rice, and
uncooked vegetables (Purnell, 2013)
18. Dietary Practices for Health Promotion Infancy mothers tend
to feed cows milk, canned milk, or evaporated milk earlier than
recommended. A baby, who is a little fat, gordito, and a red cheek
is seen as healthy. Iron is considered as a hot food that is not
usually taken during pregnancy. Educating women about the
importance of maintaining to take daily iron supplement, even
during pregnancy and lactation. Elderly fresh squeezed orange and
grape juices and punches are used as a nutrition support in
immune-suppressed or ill elders. Brandy may be added to black
coffee for individuals who have low blood pressure and are weak.
(Purnell, 2013) Most common herbs used by Puerto Rican women: black
cohosh, evening primrose, St. Johns wort, gingko, ginseng, valerian
root, sarsaparilla, chamomile, red clover, and passionflower
(Purnell, 2009).
19. Traditions El Dia de Reyes (Three Kings Day) Domingo de
Ramos (Hede, 2013)
20. Education Children are praised and encouraged to become
educated Educational system is similar to the mainland US for all
educational levels, nevertheless, when migrated to mainland
Literacy level is 94% both men and women Universidad (university)
refer to 4-years college institution Agriculture as the primary
locus of economic activity and income Sugar production as main
source of income in agricultural sector High school completion
rates are only 76.6% and a college degree is only 16.5% (Purnell,
2013).
21. Religion/Spirituality Roman Catholic predominant religion
(85%) o Influence approach in health and illness Espiritistas-
communicate with spirits to promote spiritual wellness and treat
mental illness Use azabache (small black fist) or Rabbits foot for
good luck Use Rosary beads and patron saint figure from outside
evil sources (Purnell, 2013).
22. Religion/Spirituality cont. Fertility practices o Teenage
pregnancy due to culturally imposed male behaviors and lack of
parental guidance or supervision o Use of birth control methods is
seen to be immoral because of Catholic church o Rhythm methods and
abstinence is accepted o Fertility control methods used are: tubal
ligation also called La Operacion (the surgery), oral
contraceptives, hysterectomies, and oophorectomies o Refrain from
tener relaciones ( sexual intercourse ) on first trimester o Wish
to have their bodies covered and limited number of internal
examinations for labor o Cuarentena avoiding cold and hot
temperature and rest for 40 days. o 10 to 11% of Puerto Rican women
breastfeed (Purnell, 2013).
23. Religion/Spirituality cont. Death Rituals o News about
deceased should be given first to the head of the family o it is
important to extend burial rituals until all close family members
are present o Expressing themselves through loud crying and verbal
expressions of grief is culturally acceptable o Ataque de nervios
hearing about the death of the loved ones (Purnell, 2013).
24. Community Women viewed as: central role in the family and
the community, and the family is moving toward more egalitarian
relationships. Priority over work: family responsibilities,
pregnancy, and the health of their children and other family
members. Puerto Ricans celebrate, mourn, and socialize around food.
Food is used: 1) To honor and recognize visitors, friends, family
members, and health-care providers 2) As an escape from everyday
pressures, problems, and challenges 3) To prevent and treat
illnesses (Purnell, 2009).
25. Communication Dominant Language and Dialects Puerto Rico
was the only Spanish speaking Latin American country in which
children beginning in kindergarten, learned to read and write
English and Spanish (Purnell, 2013). Forced to learn English after
the U.S. occupation in 1898. Language is political issue. Use
standard form of Spanish, no dialects used. Common expression of
astonishment, surprise, lament, or pain phrased as: !Ay bendito!
English and Spanish are both official languages. Speech style:
melodic, high-pitched, fast rhythm that may leave health-care
providers confused. This pitch and these inflections applies when
speaking English. Feeling insulted if people comment on their
accent. The healthcare provider should avoid making comments about
accent, use caution when interpreting voice pitch, and seek
clarification when in doubt about the content and nature of a
conversation that may seem confrontationa (Purnell, 2009).
26. Cultural Communication Patterns Many individuals share
sensitive information, options, and decisions with close family
members. Verbal approval by: extended family or community member
who are knowledgeable in health matter. Ask if verbal approval or
consent from the partner should be obtained first if a consent is
needed from a woman. Clarification of the information, language
preference: verbal and written Allow time for the exchange of
information when critical decisions need to be made. Value:
simpatia, likeable, attractive, and fun-loving. If confianza
(trust) established, health-care providers can establish open
communication with a person and families (Purnell, 2009).
27. Touch, Space, Eye Contact, Body Language, Modesty
Acculturated and those born in the U.S., eye contact is supported
and is often encouraged. Women greet those who are familiar, with a
strong hug Women greet family and friends with a strong hug and a
kiss. Men may greet men with a strong right handshake and use the
left hand to stroke the greeters shoulder (Purnell, 2008). Modesty
is highly valued.
28. Concept of time Have comparative views of time but do not
feel regular attendance and being on time is of importance (Purnell
2013). May interfere with being on time for appointments.
present-oriented External locus of control Reliance on God Coping
mechanisms
29. Format for Names Greet clients with Seor, Seora, Doa or Don
unless otherwise directed. Single women prefer to use father and
mothers surname Married women keep the fathers surname and take on
husbands last name with de in between the two.
30. Gender Roles Males are expected to support the family
financially in traditional families. Decision makers. Females are
expected to respect and obey the men and to raise and discipline
children. Will gain status as they become older. If both parent
work, grandparent will take over role in rearing grandchildren.
Male children are raised with a macho behavior Dominance over
women, pursuit high-paying jobs Female children are raised to focus
on home economics and motherhood. Children are to follow family
traditions, get education, and respect their elders and persons
with high-status. (Purnell, 2013).
31. Genetic Characteristics (biocultural ecology) Mixture of
Native Indian, African, and Spanish. Skin color varies from light
to dark Anemia and jaundice are more difficult to assess in darker
skin tones. Mongolian spots are commonly seen on newborns and
infants. Hispanics need lower doses of antidepressants and
experience more side effects. (Zoucha & Zamarripa, 2013)
32. Common Diseases Leading causes of death: heart disease,
malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, and AIDS. Decrease
mortality rates: lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. Increased
incidence of stomach, prostate, esophageal, pancreatic, and
cervical cancers. High incidence of: cardiopulmonary and
osteomuscular diseases for elderly. Dengue fever from Aedes aegypti
mosquito Highest HIV incidence than other ethnic groups. (Purnell,
2013).
33. Drug Metabolism No information on differences in drug
metabolism African heritage: Need higher doses of
immunosuppressants Respond poorly to beta blockers Higher rate of
angioedema with ACE inhibitors Some Puerto Ricans are short in
stature, have higher subscapular and tricep skin folds, long
trunks, and short legs. Caution for therapeutic dosages. (Purnell,
2013).
34. Nurses can provide culturally sensitive nursing care by
Developing mechanisms to integrate individual, family, and
community resources. Offer weekend, evening, and late-night
health-care services in community based setting. Incorporate the
participation of the family in the care of the ill. Inquire about
practices and encourage patients to bring their medications every
visit. Acknowledge and incorporate traditional healing practices
into treatment regimen.
35. What can be done to enhance understanding regarding
hospital stay, surgery, medications, diet, medical treatment? Use
videos and literature in Spanish and with pictures of Hispanics to
help increase compliance with health interventions (Purnell, 2009).
Use appropriate pain scale. Provide interpreter in all points of
contact. Discuss clients use of folk remedies to make sure they do
not conflict with current medical orders. Become familiar with food
practices when planning culturally congruent dietary alternatives
(Purnell, 2013).
36. What nurses can do to form positive relationship
Incorporate the concept of personalismo. Engage in a friendly
conversation. Develop a trusting relationship. Communicate with
client using a soft tone of voice. Project a professional image.
Discuss and incorporate their ethic folk practices that are
beneficial or neutral into their care. Assess clients religious
practices and permit access to religious leaders (Purnell,
2013).
37. Recommendations for future research Find out barriers that
Puerto Rican clients face while receiving health care. Promoting
tobacco cessation to help decrease asthma disparities in Puerto
Rican children.
38. References Brown, A. (2013). Hispanics of Puerto Rican
Origin in the United States. Retrieved from
http://www.pewhispanic.org/2013/06/19/hispanics-of-
puerto-rican-origin-in-the-united-states-2011/. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. (2013). Cultural Insights: Communicating
with Hispanics/Latinos. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/Audience/
AudienceInsight_CulturalInsights.pdf Chong, Nilda, (2002). The
Latino patient: a cultural guide for health care providers.
Yarmouth, ME: Nicholas Brealey Publishing. Purnell, L. D. (2008).
People of Puerto Rican Heritage. In L.D. Purnell and B. Paulanka
(Ed.), Transcultural Health Care: A culturally competent approached
(3rd ed., pp. 395- 396). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.
39. References Purnell, L. D. (2009). People of Puerto Rican
Heritage. In L.D. Purnell (Ed.), Guide to culturally competent care
(2nd ed., pp. 321-342). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis. Purnell, L. D.
(2013). People of Puerto Rican Heritage. In L.D. Purnell (Ed.),
Transcultural Health Care: A culturally competent approached (4th
ed., pp. 407-425). Philadelphia: F. A. Davis. Hede, M. (2013). The
most important Puerto Rican Holidays. Retrieved from:
http://hispanic-culture-online.com/puerto- rican-holidays.html
Zoucha, R, & Zamarripa, C. A. (2013), People of Mexican
heritage. In L. D. Purnell (Ed.), Transcultural health care: A
culturally competent approach, (4th ed., pp. 364-365).
Philadelphia: F. A. Davis.