Cultural awareness

III. UNDERSTANDING MINORITY, IMMIGRANT, AND REFUGEE
POPULATIONS
The following is basic cultural information about some regions and groups and their
different cultural beliefs and practices. As a reminder, recognize that every patient is an
individual. Stereotyping can lead to misconceptions about the individual seeking care.
A. SUB-SAHARAN AFRICANS
The continent of Africa has an immense variety of distinct languages and cultural
traditions. Sub-Saharan Africa’s sub-regions include: West Africa, East Africa, Southern
Africa, and Central Africa. Africans who come to the United States often speak two or
three native languages as well as one or more European languages. Religious traditions
and practices are very diverse. Africans from one country or part of a Sub-Saharan
African country may be Christians, Muslims, Bahais, Hindus, or Jews.
Although it is important to keep in mind the differences among people within a region
and within a country, you may expect to find some of the following characteristics that
occur commonly across national borders3:
• Family is defined broadly and may encompass people from the same village of
origin, friends, and even distant blood relatives. Family ties may imply
extensive monetary and other obligations.
• Some Africans have a religious or cultural tradition that encourages polygamy
and/or large families.
• In some African regions, women head the household by themselves.
• Even between close friends, a greeting requires shaking hands and asking
about the health of the individual and his/her family.
3 The Providers Guide. http://erc.msh.org
RI Department of Health Family Planning Guidelines
3
• Tension and/or conflict may be high among members of ethnic or religious
groups living in proximity to each other.
• Males are circumcised in most countries.
• Females are circumcised in most (though not all) Sub-Saharan African
countries.
• Despite regional difference in foods, most African countries grow at least one
root crop that provides a starchy staple food. Many people prefer cooked
vegetables to raw ones, and it is common to season some foods with hot
peppers.