Introduction
- Self-reflection as a way to improve one’s cultural competence
- Jamaican cultural ancestry
- Addressing social norms, cultural beliefs, behaviors, and the impact on health care
Self-reflection has been regarded as an effective way to self-develop and improve the quality of provided care. When it comes to cultural competence, it is critical to understand one’s own cultural background in order to develop proper relationships with colleagues, patients and their family, as well as community (Holland, 2017). My cultural ancestry is Jamaican, and I am aware of certain cultural peculiarities of my ethnic group. This work includes the major facts concerning Jamaican people’s beliefs, cultural norms, behaviors, and views on health care. The impact of this culture on the healthcare system will also be considered.
Cultural competence
- Cultural competence as the process of the provision of care in the patient’s cultural context
- A more holistic approach to cultural competence encompassing political and social domains
One of the most basic definitions of cultural competence addresses the major aspect (cultural peculiarities). Cultural competence is often referred to as the process of care provision to patients within their cultural contexts (Ritter & Graham, 2016). However, Garneau and Pepin (2014) note that a more holistic definition should be employed. The researchers define the concept in terms of the constructivist perspective (Garneau & Pepin, 2014). Cultural competence is a “complex know-act” that entails cultural, social, and political domains (Garneau & Pepin, 2014, p. 12). This reflection is guided by a combination of the two definitions and approaches. Some political and social elements will be included in the analysis.
Sharing Thoughts, Feelings, and Ideas
Jamaicans
- Are open and outspoken
- Share freely with people they trust and respect
- See such topics as sex, politics, and religion can be seen as taboos
Jamaicans are outspoken people who are willing to share their ideas, feelings, and emotions, especially when it comes to family and close ones. Jamaicans are quite open with other people, but trust and respect are crucial for them to share. It is noteworthy that respect is one of the central values for these people, and they will never be open and follow recommendations of a person who has been disrespectful. However, when discussing some topics, it is necessary to remain cautious as there are certain taboos. It is viewed as inappropriate to discuss sex (sexuality, behavior, relationships) with other people even when it comes to close people. Other taboos include politics and religion, so these topics should be avoided.
The Practice and Meaning of Touch
- Touch in greetings
- Touch in the family and immediate circle contexts
- Touch in other contexts including public spaces
Jamaicans value their personal space but tend to have a positive attitude towards physical contact. When greeting, people shake hands or kiss, depending on gender and their closeness. Greeting-related practices will be explored in detail below. Family members often display affection more freely as they can touch each other, hug, and kiss. Males pat each other by the shoulder when talking. With strangers, Jamaicans are more reserved but physical contact is still acceptable especially when it comes to greetings. Nevertheless, when it comes to same-sex interlocutors, it is regarded as inappropriate or even unacceptable to hug or hold hands in public places. Heterosexual couples can display their affection more freely, but this is often confined to holding hands and hugs.
Personal Strategies and Eye Contact
- Distancing with family members and close ones: personal zones
- Distancing with other people
- Direct eye contact with all people
The attitude toward space and distance affects the way Jamaican people use spatial strategies when communicating with others. Jamaicans mainly use the standard distance of slightly less than two feet, but they tend to feel comfortable in closer interactions. Therefore, the distance can be smaller when Jamaicans interact with their close ones, and it can increase when they communicate with colleagues or other people. Direct eye contact is a norm for Jamaicans who look into each other’s eyes when greeting and communicating. However, staring is seen as rude and can result in conflict situations.
Gestures and Facial Expressions
- Extensive use of gestures and facial expressions
- Using sounds to express feelings
- Some examples of non-verbal communication
Jamaicans are quite emotional so they often use gestures, facial expressions, and even sounds to express their feelings and ideas. For example, Jamaicans can say “uh-huh” in a certain way, which will mean that they disapprove something. Hissing is a sign of annoyance and disrespect, as well as a range of other negative emotions. Some postures (for example, standing with one’s hands on the hips) can also have some meanings. For instance, standing with one’s hands on the hips shows the person’s impatience. Again, with close ones, Jamaican are more emotional and use more gestures and facial expressions as compared to their interactions with colleagues or acquaintances.
Greeting People
- Greeting close ones: hugs and kisses
- Greeting others (including meeting for the first time): shaking hands, smiles, and hugs
Jamaicans do not have some specific greeting rituals or conventions other than the rest of the western world. When meeting people for the first time, Jamaicans shake hands, but hugs can also be appropriate in some situations. Smiling is a norm and a way to show one’s positive attitude and willingness to communicate. With friends, family members, and close ones, Jamaicans are more intimate. Females kiss each other on a cheek and hug, while males shake hands or pat each other’s shoulder.
Temporal Relation of Jamaican Culture
- Present-oriented culture
- Social factors may account for this temporal orientation
- Implications of this orientation: the focus on current tasks and situations, limited planning practices
Jamaicans mainly focus on the present rather than their past or future, so the Jamaican culture can be referred to as present-oriented. People are more concerned about their present tasks and situations. They concentrate on their current issues and rarely try to address long-term goals and problems. Regarding healthcare-related behaviors, Jamaicans often neglect prevention strategies or some planning concerning end-of-life aspects. This temporal orientation can be a result of some social factors such as high unemployment rate, discrimination, and inequality. The Jamaican history is characterized by social and political instability, which could affect people’s views on time.
Perceptions of Healthcare in General
- Jamaicans’ views on body: temple
- Jamaicans’ views on health: the reflection of one’s behavior
- Jamaicans’ views on health care: last resort
Jamaicans see the human body as a temple that cannot be damaged or even bothered in any way. Only natural remedies and products can be consumed so that the sacred entity (human body) could not be destroyed or damaged. This holistic approach is also used when considering health issues. People’s health is seen as the reflection of their behavior and choices. If people live a good life, they remain healthy, but if they are sinful and over-indulging, health problems are likely to occur. Since Jamaicans are religious people, they can see health issues as punishment for behaving inappropriately and breaking God’s laws. Modern health care is regarded as the last resort as the majority of Jamaicans first try to use traditional ways to handle their health problems.
Most Common Remedies and Using Healthcare Services
- Traditional strategies
- Relatives and healers
- Modern healthcare system
When Jamaicans’ health deteriorates, they try to address the problem in a holistic way. They focus on their diet, behavior, and use some traditional remedies. They mainly use herbs and other natural products to health their illnesses. Marijuana use is viewed as an acceptable way to treat various issues especially when it comes to pain. If they are unable to treat their health condition, Jamaicans address their close ones or traditional healers, which is specifically true for mental health (Yorke, Voisin, & Baptiste, 2014). Since many Jamaicans have limited access to high-quality healthcare services, seeking professional help is often seen as the last resort (Ekpo, Duff, Bailey, & Lindo, 2016). This attitude is often associated with considerable adverse effects on people’s health as they seek professional help when their health condition is critical.
The Impact of Jamaican culture Within a Healthcare Setting
- Improving cultural competence
- The focus on communication
- Developing rapport
- Incorporating traditional practices into treatment
The impact of the Jamaican culture is not vividly cut, especially when compared to the influence of Asian healthcare practices and views. However, Jamaicans have had various effects on the development of the healthcare system locally and on the national level. The increasing population of Jamaican Americans forces nurses to improve their cultural competence skills. Jamaicans value respectful attitude and trust, so nursing practitioners pay more attention to communication and the development of proper relationships with patients and their families. Jamaicans often try to replace prescribed medication with some natural products. Healthcare professionals try to take this trend into account and incorporate traditional strategies into patients’ treatment when it is possible. Medical staff also pay more attention to such aspect as equity due to the social issues Jamaicans and other minority groups have to face.
Conclusion
- Cultural competence is a key to high-quality services provision
- Jamaicans are open but value respect and trust
- Jamaicans see their health in a holistic way
- Jamaicans’ focus on traditional medicine affects the healthcare system
The quick review of Jamaicans’ cultural peculiarities and some implications for healthcare professionals indicates that this population has had certain effect on the development of the system. Jamaicans’ focus on respectful attitude and trust makes nurses be more attentive to the needs of this group. The development of effective communication patterns is another outcome. Jamaicans also use traditional strategies and remedies, which makes the medical staff more attentive to alternative practices.
References
Ekpo, C. F., Duff, E. M., Bailey, E. Y., & Lindo, J. L. M. (2016). Lived experiences of Jamaican hospital patients with delayed wound healing. International Journal of Healthcare, 2(1), 21-28. Web.
Garneau, A. B., & Pepin, J. (2014). Cultural competence. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 26(1), 9-15. Web.
Holland, K. (2017). Cultural awareness in nursing and health care: An introductory text (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Ritter, L., & Graham, D. H. (2016). Multicultural health (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
Yorke, C, B., Voisin, D. R., & Baptiste, D. (2014). Factors related to help-seeking attitudes about professional mental health services among Jamaican immigrants. International Social Work, 59(2), 293-304. Web.