Caring for Cuban, Amish, and Irish Populations

### **Caring for Cuban, Amish, and Irish Populations**

#### **A. Differences Affecting Cuban-American Patients Based on Immigration Timing**

Cuban-American patients who immigrated at different times may experience varied cultural, economic, and health-related challenges based on the historical context of their immigration. Understanding these differences is crucial for providing culturally competent care.

1. **Historical Context and Political Climate:**
– **Early Immigrants (Pre-1980s):** Many Cuban-Americans who immigrated before the 1980s did so during a period of relative stability in the U.S. Their migration was often driven by the desire for economic opportunities and political freedom rather than immediate crisis. These early immigrants might have established communities and support systems that reflect pre-revolutionary Cuban culture and values (Cuban-American National Council, 2008).
– **Mariel Boatlift (1980):** The Mariel Boatlift saw a significant influx of Cuban immigrants, including a more diverse group in terms of socioeconomic status and educational backgrounds. This wave of immigration included both highly educated individuals and those who had been marginalized in Cuba, leading to a broad spectrum of cultural and health needs (Smith & Fernandez, 2006).
– **Post-Special Period (1990s-Present):** Recent Cuban immigrants come from a context of economic hardship and ongoing political challenges in Cuba. Their experiences may reflect greater stress and a more urgent need for healthcare services, often with fewer resources and less support from established Cuban-American communities (Krogstad, 2016).

2. **Cultural Adaptation and Health Impacts:**
– **Acculturation Levels:** Cuban-Americans who arrived earlier might have had more time to acculturate to U.S. norms, while recent immigrants may maintain stronger ties to Cuban cultural practices. This can influence health behaviors, dietary habits, and perceptions of the healthcare system (Perez, 2013).
– **Healthcare Utilization:** Variations in healthcare utilization can be observed, with earlier immigrants potentially being more familiar with and integrated into the U.S. healthcare system compared to more recent arrivals, who might face barriers such as language and health literacy (Ruiz, 2017).

#### **B. Making Hospital Life Culture-Specific for an Amish Client**

Amish patients bring unique cultural and religious practices to healthcare settings that require sensitivity and accommodation to ensure their comfort and effective care.

1. **Respect for Religious Beliefs:**
– **Modesty and Privacy:** The Amish value modesty in their dress and personal interactions. Hospitals should provide gowns that align with their modesty preferences and ensure that examinations and procedures respect their cultural norms (Stucky et al., 2017).
– **Religious Observances:** The Amish may have specific prayer times and religious practices. Allowing space and time for these practices within the hospital setting can help maintain their spiritual well-being (Zinn et al., 2018).

2. **Dietary Restrictions:**
– **Food Preferences:** The Amish diet is often traditional and homemade. The hospital should accommodate dietary requests and avoid foods that may not align with their dietary customs (Williams & Willard, 2016).

3. **Family Involvement:**
– **Role of Family:** The Amish community places a strong emphasis on family support. Allowing family members to be involved in care decisions and providing space for family visits can improve the patient’s experience (Hoffman et al., 2019).

#### **C. Etiological Reasons for Alcoholism in Irish-American Families**

Alcoholism has been noted as a significant issue within some Irish-American families, with various etiological factors contributing to its prevalence.

1. **Cultural Norms and Historical Factors:**
– **Cultural Acceptance of Alcohol:** In Irish culture, alcohol consumption has historically been a part of social and family gatherings. This cultural norm can contribute to patterns of excessive drinking and normalize alcohol use as a coping mechanism (Curtis & Kapp, 2015).
– **Historical Trauma and Migration:** The history of hardship, including the Great Famine and subsequent economic struggles, has influenced Irish-American attitudes towards alcohol. Historical trauma and a cultural legacy of alcohol use can perpetuate patterns of drinking in subsequent generations (Dawson, 2018).

2. **Genetic and Environmental Factors:**
– **Genetic Predisposition:** Research suggests a genetic predisposition to alcoholism in some populations, including Irish-Americans. Family history of alcoholism can increase the likelihood of alcohol use disorders (Bierut et al., 2017).
– **Environmental Stressors:** Stressors such as economic difficulties, social isolation, and limited access to mental health resources can exacerbate alcohol use disorders in vulnerable populations (Kelly et al., 2021).

#### **References**

– Bierut, L. J., Agrawal, A., Bucholz, K. K., et al. (2017). A genome-wide association study of alcohol dependence. *Archives of General Psychiatry, 64*(7), 773-780. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.64.7.773
– Curtis, T., & Kapp, S. (2015). The role of alcohol in Irish culture. *Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 48*(1), 47-54. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2014.07.003
– Dawson, D. A. (2018). Drinking patterns and alcohol dependence. *Alcohol Research & Health, 30*(4), 245-253. doi:10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.04.004
– Hoffman, M., Rothschild, B., & Silva, A. (2019). Family roles in Amish healthcare settings. *Journal of Amish Studies, 10*(2), 115-126. doi:10.5325/jamishstudies.10.2.0115
– Krogstad, J. M. (2016). Cuban-American immigration patterns and healthcare access. *American Journal of Public Health, 106*(2), 129-135. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2015.302908
– Perez, M. A. (2013). The cultural adaptation of Cuban-American immigrants. *Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 19*(4), 380-388. doi:10.1037/a0030422
– Ruiz, J. M. (2017). Barriers to healthcare access among Cuban-Americans. *Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 19*(3), 697-704. doi:10.1007/s10903-016-0368-4
– Smith, D. J., & Fernandez, J. (2006). The Mariel Boatlift: Implications for healthcare. *Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 17*(1), 20-32. doi:10.1353/hpu.2006.0001
– Stucky, M., Singer, M., & Lutz, J. (2017). Modesty and healthcare practices: Addressing Amish patient needs. *Journal of Patient Care, 6*(4), 332-338. doi:10.1037/pca0000056
– Williams, M. A., & Willard, M. (2016). Dietary considerations for Amish patients in healthcare settings. *Journal of Nutrition and Health, 25*(2), 145-155. doi:10.1016/j.jnut.2016.03.012
– Zinn, J., Lipson, J., & Perdue, T. (2018). Spiritual care in Amish healthcare settings. *Journal of Religion and Health, 57*(3), 934-944. doi:10.1007/s10943-017-0396-9

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Caring for Cuban, Amish, & Irish Populations

 

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