Cuban Americans

Cuban Americans represent close to 0.6 % of the U.S. and about 4 % of the population of Hispanics (Pew Hispanic Center, 2006). They engage in a series of risky behavior that may put them in the way of diseases like lung cancer, diabetes and obesity. Surprisingly, they have a lower occurrence of these diseases most probably due to their tendency to being involved in the workforce of the country (Muñoz, Luckmann & Luckmann, 2005). They have a high rate of violent deaths and suicide. They are also likely to get involved in alcoholism and smoking. The use of alcohol is higher among men.

Cuban Americans most originate from their country on the basis of the communist form of government. On average, one in every four Cuban Americans is a graduate (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011). This is twice the level of other Hispanics. This high level of education leads to a high involvement in the labor force of the country (Purnell & Paulanka, 1998). Moreover, the country benefits from the ease of acculturation of Cuban Americans as they fit into the American society fast. They are also respectful to their supervisors and superiors and consider them as authority figures.

The nutrition of Cuban Americans is mostly based on the European and African culture from which they originate. The foods they eat are mostly agricultural in nature with pork chicken and black beans being at the top of their meals. The meals have a high calorie and fat content and so any intervention in their meals should seek to increase the fiber content (Purnell & Paulanka, 2005).

Cubans are spiritual in nature. They will often seek medication from both traditional and biomedical practitioners. They are also likely to seek intervention from magic and spiritual leaders when such intervention is required.

References

Muñoz, C., Luckmann, J., & Luckmann, J. (2005). Transcultural communication in nursing. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson/Delmar Learning.

Pew Hispanic Center,. (2006). Cubans in the United States. Available at: http://pewhispanic.org/files/factsheets/23.pdf.

Purnell, L., & Paulanka, B. (1998). Transcultural health care. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.

Purnell, L., & Paulanka, B. (2005). Guide to culturally competent health care. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Co.

U.S. Census Bureau,. (2011). The Hispanic Population: 2010. Available at: http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/briefs/c2010br-04.pdf.