Caring for American Eskimo, Japanese, & Russian Populations
After studying Module 2: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following:
- List factors that predispose Eskimos to risk as a result of the consumption of large quantities of sugar.
- Analyze different strategies useful in communicating with the Japanese American family.
- When caring for a Russian American client, for the most part, at what distance would a Russian patient feel at most ease?
Submission Instructions:
- Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted, and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
Caring for American Eskimo, Japanese, and Russian Populations
Cultural competence in nursing involves understanding how heritage, lifestyle, and values influence health behaviors and preferences among diverse populations. Tailoring care to accommodate these factors not only improves health outcomes but also builds trust and enhances the therapeutic relationship. When caring for American Eskimo, Japanese American, and Russian American clients, it is essential to consider cultural norms, communication styles, and health beliefs that may influence care delivery.
Eskimos and Sugar Consumption Risks
American Eskimos, particularly Alaska Natives and Inuit populations, have historically consumed a diet rich in protein and fat due to the availability of marine animals and limited agricultural options. However, modernization and access to Western foods have significantly altered dietary patterns among this group. The increased consumption of processed foods and refined sugars has led to a sharp rise in diet-related chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (Bersamin et al., 2020).
Several factors predispose Eskimos to health risks from high sugar intake:
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Genetic Susceptibility: Studies indicate that Alaska Natives may have a genetic predisposition that affects insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, increasing their vulnerability to diabetes when exposed to high-carbohydrate Western diets (Luick et al., 2019).
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Lifestyle Transition: A shift from traditional subsistence activities to sedentary lifestyles further exacerbates the impact of unhealthy diets.
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Limited Healthcare Access: Remote geographic locations often limit access to preventative healthcare and nutritional education, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
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Food Insecurity and Economic Barriers: High food prices and limited availability of fresh produce in remote areas encourage dependence on cheaper, sugar-laden processed foods (Bersamin et al., 2020).
Culturally sensitive education focusing on reducing sugar intake and reintroducing traditional foods may help improve dietary health among American Eskimos.
Communication with Japanese American Families
Japanese American families often value harmony, indirect communication, and non-verbal cues, which may pose a challenge for Western-trained healthcare professionals. Effective communication strategies include:
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Indirect Communication: Japanese individuals may avoid saying “no” directly to maintain politeness. Instead of confronting issues head-on, nurses should listen carefully for subtleties in tone, hesitation, or body language that may signal disagreement or discomfort (Purnell & Paulanka, 2013).
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Non-verbal Cues and Silence: Silence is often used as a sign of respect or contemplation. Healthcare providers should not rush to fill silence but allow time for thoughtful responses.
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Family-Centered Decision-Making: In Japanese culture, decisions are frequently made collectively, with elder family members playing a central role. Nurses should involve family in discussions and decision-making processes, ensuring respect for hierarchy and consensus.
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Use of Formal Titles and Respect: Addressing patients and family members with formal titles and maintaining a calm, respectful demeanor is essential in gaining trust.
Understanding these cultural nuances helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures the family feels respected and engaged in the care process.
Proxemics and Comfort in Russian American Patients
Personal space, or proxemics, is a critical aspect of patient comfort and cultural sensitivity. Russian Americans, influenced by Eastern European social norms, tend to be more comfortable with close physical proximity compared to some Western cultures.
Most Russian American patients feel at ease within a close personal distance of approximately 1 to 1.5 feet during conversations with trusted individuals (Lipson & Dibble, 2005). However, this closeness is typically reserved for interactions with friends and family. With healthcare providers, comfort may depend on the level of trust established. Initially, a respectful social distance of about 2 to 4 feet is recommended until rapport is built. Russian patients may also appreciate direct eye contact and firm handshakes, as these are perceived as signs of sincerity and respect.
Furthermore, Russian clients may exhibit a preference for stoicism and may underreport pain or emotional distress. Nurses must use observational cues and gently probe for more information when assessing symptoms or emotional states.
Conclusion
Providing culturally competent care to American Eskimo, Japanese American, and Russian American populations requires awareness of dietary risks, communication preferences, and proxemics. Nurses must integrate cultural knowledge with clinical practice to build trust, improve communication, and achieve better health outcomes. Tailoring approaches to each group’s specific cultural characteristics is essential in delivering safe, respectful, and effective care.
References
Bersamin, A., Luick, B. R., Ruppert, E., Stern, J. S., & Zidenberg-Cherr, S. (2020). Diet quality among Alaska Native and American Indian adults residing in rural Alaska communities. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 120(9), 1523–1530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2020.01.015
Luick, B. R., Bersamin, A., & Stern, J. S. (2019). Nutritional status and traditional food consumption in Alaska Native communities. Ethnicity & Disease, 29(1), 103–110. https://doi.org/10.18865/ed.29.S1.103
Lipson, J. G., & Dibble, S. L. (2005). Cultural & clinical care for Russians. UCSF Nursing Press.
Purnell, L., & Paulanka, B. J. (2013). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach (4th ed.). F.A. Davis Company.
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