CANADA CULTURAL BELIEFS AND TRADITION IN TERMS OF HEALTH.pdf

CANADA CULTURAL BELIEFS AND TRADITION IN TERMS OF HEALTH

1. TRANSCULTURAL
NURSING IN
CANADA
COUNTRY INTRODUCTION

2. Members
ALMARIO
BATRALO
DY NING
PACIA
SAGUN

3. Canada is known for its
multiculturalism and diversity,
and this is reflected in the
various cultural beliefs and
traditions surrounding health.
The country's Indigenous
populations, immigrant groups,
and adherence to Western
medical practices all contribute
to a broad spectrum of health-
related beliefs and practices.
Introduction

4. Space and Distance
General Canadian Norms:
Canadians generally value moderate personal space and may feel
uncomfortable if someone stands too close without necessity.
Physical contact (such as touching a patient’s hand or shoulder) is generally
acceptable in healthcare contexts but should always be done with consent
and sensitivity.
Many Canadians prefer a professional distance when discussing sensitive
health issues.
Cultural Considerations:
Indigenous Patients - Prefer non-intrusive communication.
Asian Patients - Greater distance.
Middle Eastern & South Asian Patients - Personal space preferences often
depend on gender, religion, and social norms.
European & North American Patients - Generally comfortable with
moderate space and light physical touch in professional settings, such as a
reassuring pat on the shoulder.

5. Eye Contact
Nurses must recognize and adapt to different cultural expectations around
eye contact.
Western Culture: Eye contact is a sign of respect, attentiveness, and
sincerity. Direct eye contact during conversations may be expected and is
valued
Indigenous Culture: Prolonged eye contact can be seen as disrespectful
and confrontational, Indirect eye contact is preferred and a sign of humility
& respect.
East Asian Culture: Avoids direct eye contact, they see this as rude,
aggressive or disrespectful
Middle Eastern Culture: Direct eye contact can be seen as a sign of
attentiveness and respect
African Culture: Eye contact is less direct and is a sign of deference and
respect.

6. Time and Punctuality
Understanding Cultural differences in time helps nurses provide better,
and more respectful care.
Western/Canadian Culture: Punctuality is highly valued and is seen as a
sign of professionalism and respect.
Indigenous Culture: They usually do not adhere to appointment times
Middle Eastern Culture: They may arrive late to appointments but do not
intend disrespect, being fashionably late is acceptable to them.
East Asian Culture: Punctuality is seen as a sign of respect.
Latin American Culture: Punctuality is less rigid and may not be viewed
as disrespectful
.

7. Touch
In transcultural nursing, particularly in Canada, understanding cultural differences
related to "TOUCH" is crucial for effective care.
Cultural Significance of Touch - Touch can have different meanings across
cultures. In Western cultures like Canada, touch is often used to comfort or
reassure patients. However, certain forms of touch between genders may be
prohibited or discouraged in more conservative societies like some Arab or Asian
cultures.
Gender Considerations - Cross-gender touch is avoided in many traditional
societies due to religious or cultural norms. Nurses should respect these boundaries
by ensuring that same-gender caregivers are available when possible.
Physical Contact Taboos - Certain body parts may be considered off-limits for
touching due to cultural beliefs. For instance, the head is considered sacred in
many Asian cultures and should not be touched without permission.
Individual Preferences - Even within the same culture, individuals may have
different comfort levels with physical contact. Nurses should always ask about
personal preferences regarding touch before initiating physical contact.

8. Communication
Politeness and Respect - Canadians value politeness and respect,
using "please" and "thank you," and often apologizing even when not at
fault. They tend to be informal but appreciate proper protocol, and
generally avoid aggressive or rude behavior and conflict.
Directness - Canadians, while polite, also value direct communication.
They prefer clear and concise messages, particularly in professional
or medical contexts.
Personal Space - They generally prefer a certain amount of personal
space when communicating.
Verbal Communication - They prefer clear and spoken messages, with
non-verbal expressions used mainly for emphasis.

9. Tips for Effective Communication
Be aware of your own biases
Listen actively
Be clear and concise
Respect cultural differences
Seek clarification
Be patient

10. Food and Diet1.
Traditional Foods
Family meals
Dietary Restrictions
2. Physical Activity
Winter activities
Family games
3. Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
Family and community
Stress and anxiety
Reflection and gratitude
4. Healthcare and Considerations
Accessibility
Cultural sensitivity
Holidays

11. Religious Variations on Illness and Death
In Canada, understanding religious variations related to "ILLNESS AND DEATH"
is crucial for providing culturally sensitive care.
Religious Beliefs About Illness - Different religions have unique beliefs
about the cause and meaning of illness. For example, some religious
traditions view illness as a test of faith or a form of spiritual cleansing.
End-of-Life Practices - Religious practices at the end of life vary
significantly:
In Christianity, prayers and sacraments like Holy Communion are important.
In Islam, Muslims often prefer to face Mecca during prayer and may request
specific rituals at death.
In Buddhism, privacy for meditation is valued during terminal illness.
Spiritual Support - Providing spiritual support is essential during illness and
at the end of life. Nurses should be aware that patients may rely on their
faith for coping mechanisms.

12. Nutrition and Dietary
practices
Most people living in Canada would benefit
from eating more vegetables and fruit,
especially:
dark green vegetables such as
kale
spinach
broccoli
bok choy
green peas
Brussels sprouts
orange vegetables such as
carrots
pumpkin
sweet potato
red and orange peppers
butternut and hubbard squash

13. Nutrition and Dietary
practices
Most people living in Canada would benefit from replacing foods within the
same types. Encourage choosing:
whole grains, such as brown or wild rice, and whole grain foods, such as
whole grain breads and crackers
instead of refined grains, such as white rice, and refined grain
foods, such as white breads and white bread products like bagels,
flatbreads and rolls
lower fat unsweetened yogurt, milk and plant-based beverages, such
as fortified soy, oat and almond beverages, and cheeses lower in fat
and sodium

14. Nutrition and Dietary
practices
instead of higher fat sweetened yogurt, milk and plant-based beverages
and cheeses higher in fat and sodium
lean red meat including wild game, skinless poultry, eggs, fish and
shellfish
instead of choices higher in saturated fat, like regular ground beef,
pork ribs and rib eye steak, and poultry with skin and visible fat

15. Conclusion

16. References:
GİGER, J. N., & DAVİDHİZAR, R. E. TRANSCULTURAL NURSİNG: ASSESSMENT
AND INTERVENTİON (5TH ED.)
1.
2. .JOURNAL OF TRANSCULTURAL NURSİNG, 13(3), 181-184.
3. CULTURE CARE DİVERSİTY AND UNİVERSALİTY: A THEORY OF NURSİNG.
NATİONAL LEAGUE FOR NURSİNG PRESS.
4. PURNELL'S MODEL FOR CULTURAL COMPETENCE (3RD ED.)
5. CULTURAL COMPETENCE İN HEALTH CARE: A PRACTİCAL GUİDE (2014)
6. CANADİAN NURSES ASSOCİATİON (CNA). (2017). CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND
CULTURAL SAFETY İN NURSİNG EDUCATİON AND PRACTİCE.

17. Thank You!