Ethic Group of Africa as Culture and Nursing Education Black/African American Culture as a Major Ethnic Group
Black or African American individuals make up the second-largest ethnic group in the United States, constituting approximately 14% of the total population. This population is predominantly found in the southern U.S. states, with more than half (54%) residing in the South, and significant numbers in the Midwest (19%), Northeast (18%), and West (9%) (Rastogi, Johnson, Hoeffel, & Drewery, 2010). Many African Americans live in urban areas with large concentrations in metropolitan cities.
The cultural heritage of African Americans is diverse, with roots mainly in Africa and the Caribbean. Members of this ethnic group speak various languages, including African dialects, English, Spanish, and French. The preference for racial identification also varies with age: younger generations tend to refer to themselves as African American, while older individuals might prefer the term Black or Black American. Both terms are considered politically correct, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s identification of this ethnic group as Black/African American. This diversity highlights the need for healthcare providers, including nurses, to recognize cultural differences in beliefs, customs, and traditions within this population (Purnell, 2013).
Historical Suffering of African Americans
African Americans have faced centuries of inequality in social, economic, and educational opportunities. The history of slavery, segregation, and racism has shaped their experiences and continues to affect the African American community today. The scars of this history are evident in the economic, educational, and healthcare disparities faced by many African Americans.
Despite the landmark 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education, which outlawed segregation in public schools, African Americans continue to suffer from unequal access to quality education, leading to a lower rate of higher educational attainment compared to whites. Approximately 23% of African Americans live at or below the poverty level, which affects access to healthcare and opportunities for better employment (Rastogi et al., 2010). This lack of resources is strongly correlated with increased health disparities, higher morbidity and mortality rates, and a lower quality of life (Noonan, Velasco Mondragon, & Wagner, 2016).
In addition to socioeconomic disadvantages, African Americans have endured systemic racism and discrimination, which continues to have a significant psychological impact. Repressed anger and frustration over centuries of oppression have contributed to high rates of violence, depression, and mental health issues in the community (Carten, 2015).
African Beliefs About Health and Education
African Americans’ beliefs about health and illness are influenced by both cultural heritage and historical suffering. Many African Americans view the world as hostile and dangerous, with a sense of vulnerability and limited resources to combat adversity (Purnell, 2013). This worldview may affect their health behaviors, as they often delay seeking medical care until it is absolutely necessary, contributing to the disparity in health outcomes for this population.
Many African Americans have a strong mistrust of Western healthcare providers due to a history of unethical medical practices, such as the infamous Tuskegee syphilis study, which exploited African American men without providing proper treatment for decades (Eiser & Ellis, 2007). This mistrust has led many African Americans to seek out folk practitioners or home remedies instead of traditional medical care. Folk medicine and spirituality remain important components of health practices within the African American community. Practices such as the use of herbal remedies, mustard plasters, and amulets are still observed in some families as a way to treat illness and prevent disease (Purnell, 2013).
Despite the mistrust in formal healthcare systems, African Americans place a high value on education as a means to improve their social and economic status. Many African American families see education as a way to secure better jobs and improve their quality of life. However, lower educational attainment remains a barrier for many African Americans, with a higher-than-average high school dropout rate and lower college graduation rates compared to other racial groups (Purnell, 2013).
African Concepts About Healthcare Providers
African Americans’ approach to healthcare is shaped by cultural beliefs and historical experiences. Many African Americans are suspicious of healthcare providers, often seeking medical attention only when absolutely necessary. This mistrust is tied to centuries of discrimination and unethical practices by the medical establishment, such as the Tuskegee study, which has left a legacy of mistrust (Eiser & Ellis, 2007; Wilson, 2011).
Folk practitioners, on the other hand, are often held in high esteem within the African American community. These healers provide care that is culturally sensitive and grounded in the spiritual and traditional beliefs of the community. African Americans may turn to folk medicine, herbal treatments, or spiritual healers for their healthcare needs.
The concept of extended family is also an important aspect of African American culture, influencing healthcare decisions. Older adults are highly respected in the African American community, and they often take on leadership roles in healthcare decision-making. The extended family provides emotional, physical, and financial support during times of illness, and it is common for family members, especially grandparents, to be heavily involved in the care of younger relatives (Forrester, 2000; Purnell, 2013).
Spirituality and religion also play a central role in African American life, especially in the context of health. African Americans are more likely than other ethnic groups to turn to religion to cope with health challenges. Churches and religious institutions are often trusted sources of support, providing both spiritual and physical care, such as health education and promotion activities (Carten, 2015; Collins, 2015). Religious beliefs, including the concept of fatalism (the belief that everything is predetermined by God), can influence health behaviors, leading some individuals to delay seeking care or to rely on prayer for healing (Purnell, 2013).
Voodoo and other spiritual practices also persist in some African American communities, particularly among those with roots in the Caribbean or the southern United States. These practices are based on the belief that illness is caused by evil spirits or hexes, and healing can only occur through spiritual intervention or the breaking of taboos (Purnell, 2013). Understanding these beliefs is crucial for healthcare providers to offer respectful and culturally sensitive care.
Conclusion
African American culture is rich and diverse, shaped by centuries of struggle and resilience. Health beliefs within the African American community are influenced by cultural heritage, historical injustices, and spiritual practices. To provide effective care and health education, nurses and other healthcare providers must be culturally competent and aware of the unique challenges faced by African Americans. By understanding the historical, social, and cultural factors that influence health behaviors, healthcare providers can build trust with their patients, improve health outcomes, and provide care that is respectful of the patient’s cultural beliefs and practices.