Cultural Competency - Multicultural Health Generalizations: Cuban
Cuban Health Beliefs and Practices
The following information describes some Cuban health beliefs and practices:
- Traditional Cuban culture holds that mind, body, and spirit are inextricably intertwined.
- While biomedical or allopathic medical practices are widespread in Cuba and germ theory is accepted and understood by most Cubans, traditional and other theories of illness causality are also incorporated in health beliefs and practices.
- Stress is thought to cause a variety of physical and mental health problems.
- Supernatural forces (e.g., mal de ojo or evil eye) or a lack of balance are thought by some to cause or contribute to physical and mental health problems.
- Amulets may be worn as protection against supernatural harm.
- Regardless of a person's faith, spiritual care/belief is often incorporated in treatment or explanation of illness.
- Persons who are sick may tend to take on a passive and dependent role.
- The physician is highly respected and expected to be in a more directive than partnership role.
- Decision-making usually includes older or more respected family members.
- Hospitalized patients are likely to be attended by family around the clock.
Source: http://www3.baylor.edu/~Charles_Kemp/cuban_refugees.htm
Santería: A Religion Practice in Cuba
Although Catholicism is the primary religion of Cuba, Santería, an African Voodoo type religion, is practiced by some Cubans of middle and upper-class backgrounds and some with less education. Based on beliefs of the Yoruba-African people, Santería incorporates Yoruba gods/orishas (the "Seven African Deities") and variations on Catholic rituals. When modern medicine and the Church fail to heal, some Cubans seek assistance from Santería Santeros (priests). Santeros intervene in both physical and mental illnesses but seldom operate in conflict with biomedical treatments. When treating mental illness, Santeros may ascribe the problem as a special attribute or strength of the person being treated. A few healing rituals conducted by Santeros include herbal formulations, prayer, and santiquo/blessing rituals (the supplication to a Yoruba god and the corresponding Catholic saint). Spells, magic, and animal sacrifices can also be common in this religion, and most ceremonies are conducted at home.
Sources: Cuban Refugees. (Online). Baylor University.
http://www3.baylor.edu/~Charles_Kemp/cuban_refugees.htm (2002, January 13).
Lipson, J. G., Dibble, S. L., Minarik, P. A., & Varela, L. (1996). Cubans. Culture and nursing care: A pocket guide. San Francisco: UCSF Nursing Press.
Cuban Communications
- Greetings
- Only formal during the first introduction.
- Afterwards, a familiar tone and address are used.
- A handshake is common among men.
- Elderly people are shown more respect.
- Family members and close friends greet by embracing and kissing on the cheek.
- Tone of voice
- May seem to speak loudly in normal conversation.
- Requests and commands are direct.
- Conversation may seem aggressive to an outsider.
- Nonverbal communication
- Cubans are typically outgoing and confronting.
- Close contact and touching are acceptable and a sign of affection among family and friends.
- Direct eye contact is expected during conversation. Looking away shows a lack of respect or dishonesty.
- Silence usually means awkwardness or uncertainty.
- Cubans often use hand gestures to add emphasis when talking.
- Do Not Resusciate
- DNR orders are usually not acceptable to Cubans.
- They may feel strongly that everything possible should be done for the patient.
- Agreeing to a DNR shows giving up hope and allowing the patient to die, which is seen by others as uncaring and abandonment.
- A fear of death can be quite strong among Cubans.
Source: Varela, L. (1996). "Cubans." Culture and Nursing Care: A pocket guide. San Francisco: University of California.
