Chinese
Cultural Values. Most Chinese people speak Cantonese or Mandarin. In most Chinese cultures, direct eye contact is avoided as a sign of respect. In addition, the elders should be addressed with respect and called by their surnames.
Problems with children should be addressed with the head of the house and death is not a subject openly discussed. Many believe that they go to the hospital to die, since dying at home is considered bad luck. The patient usually takes a passive role in illness, allowing family members to take care of everything.
Health-related belief systems. Health and balance is attained by maintaining a balance of Yin (cold) and Yang (hot) in the body. Food is a main element in this balance, and any imbalance can cause illness and disease. In general, Chinese use home remedies or Chinese remedies. Western medicine is sought upon the recommendation of others and only for guidance with serious ailments. Chinese believe that the body should remain intact so that the soul may have a place to live. Chinese avoid having blood drawn, because it weakens the body. Surgery is avoided for the same reason. Good luck articles, such as jade, may be worn to ensure good health and good luck. Do not remove these items without permission from the patient or parent.
Learning Module text written by Eyal Ben-Isaac
Sources:
1. Tylor 1924 [orig. 1871]
2. The culturally competent pediatrician: Respecting ethnicity in your practice. Lori Taylor, MD, and Lindia J. Willies-Jacobo, MD. Contemporary Pediatrics, June 2003
3. Mexican Cultural profile. Ethnomed, Ethnic medicine information from Harborview
4. Culture Clues: Communicating with your African American Patient. University of Washington Medical Center, Patient and Family Education Services. 2001
5. Los Angeles County Census 2000
6. Culture and Nursing Care, A Pocket Guide. Juliene G. Lipson, Suzanne L. Dibble, and Pamela A. Minarik. School of Nursing, UCSF. University of California, San Francisco, Press.
7. Rosa Linda Guadarrama, M.S., M.B.A.