Ch13 1

Transcultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach, 4th EditionTranscultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach, 4th EditionTranscultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach, 4th EditionTranscultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach, 4th Edition

Copyright © 2013 F.A. Davis Company

Filipino Americans

Larry Purnell, PhD, RN, FAAN

Transcultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach, 4th EditionTranscultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach, 4th Edition

Overview/Heritage

Almost 2 million in the United States Literally all speak English and Tagalog (Pilipino),

and many speak Spanish and another language Predominantly from Malayan ancestry with

influence and mixtures from other Asian groups, Spanish, and Arab


Overview/Heritage Continued

Americanization of the Philippines began after the Spanish–American War

Immigrant Filipinos make up the majority of Filipinos in the United States

Unrestricted immigration in the early 1900s then very restricted in 1924 because of the Exclusionist policies of Immigration Act of 1924



Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 eliminated the quota system for the Philippines resulting in large numbers of middle class and professionals coming to the United States

Included relatives of Filipinos living in the United States



First group were primarily single men who were brought to the United States to work in Alaskan canneries, farms in California, and plantations in Hawaii and endured much discrimination

Most were restricted from owning or leasing land and could not become US citizens



After WW II, many Filipino Veterans immigrated and settled on the West Coast

Now more women than men immigrate to the United States

Well educated immigrants continue to have difficulty in finding similar work in the United States unless they are in the healthcare field


Communications

Tagalog is the national language with English the second official language

Eight other dialects are spoken as well as Spanish

Taglish is common among immigrants and American born Filipinos

Highly contextual communication patterns


Communications Continued

Pakikisama—smoother interpersonal relationships and sacrifice exact meaning

External or outsider communication and internal or one-of-us communication proceeds on different levels



Interacting level Participating level Conforming level Adjusting level Understanding and acceptance level Getting involved level Being one with level



An exclusive “we” and an inclusive “we” Eye contact varies with age, education, and

acculturation Many ways to say yes, but how do you say no?



Respect the past, enjoy the present, and hope for the future

Filipino time for social events, clock time if really important events, business, and work usually

Many names are Spanish in origin One of the middle names is the mother’s maiden

name


ClickerCheck

Many Filipinos speak Tag-Lish, which is

a. A combination of Tagalog and English.

b. The indigenous language of the Philippines.

c. The official language of the Philippines.

d. A combination of Spanish and English.


Correct Answer

Correct answer: A

Tag-Lish is a combination of Tagalog and English.


Family Roles

Matriarchal before Spanish, then Patriarchal, now more egalitarian in decision making

Gender neutral pronouns causing confusion with he and she in English

Respect is a dominant family value and older children may assume the role of parent


Family Roles Continued Honor and care for parents or brings shame

to the family Nuclear family is dominant although

polygamous families exist among Moslem Filipinos

Extended family members are important Education is paramount for children and

parents sacrifice so at least one child will become educated and help the others if necessary


Family Roles Continued

Respect is shown to elders with deferential behavior

Grandparents become surrogate parents for their grandchildren in the United States especially

Advance degree brings higher social status


Family Roles Continued

Filipino organizations targeted to gays and lesbians

Chastity is valued premaritally Single parenting becoming more common in the

United States


Biocultural Ecology

Varying skin tones of brown and tan with dark eyes, flat nose bridges, and mildly flared nostrils

Most are of smaller stature than European Americans

More difficult to determine age than in European Americans because of youthful face


Biocultural Ecology Continued

Endemic conditions in the Philippines include malaria, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disorders, due to parasitosis, cardiovascular related disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, nutritional diseases, HTN, and diabetes

Sensitive to the effects of alcohol and require lower doses of neuroleptics


Nutrition

Fundamental form of socialization Any occasion is an occasion for food Wide variety of foods and prepared in a variety of

ways Outsiders are served western food Insiders are served Filipino food To help in the kitchen you are really an insider


Nutrition Continued Rice may be served at every meal, most

common meats are fish, chicken, and pork Diet varies among urban and rural areas Lactose intolerance among adults Milk in cooked desserts is tolerated well Salt and vinegar are used frequently Moderation in food is considered important


Nutrition Continued

Considered polite to leave some food on your plate

Herbs are grown in many homes to be used for cooking and for medicinal purposes

Newer immigrants are at risk of nutritional deficiencies if unfamiliar with American foods


Childbearing Family

Catholic religion influences birth control practices —rhythm method only

Abortion is considered a sin, carries a stigma, and leads to back door abortions

Pregnancy is a time for pampering and attention from entire family

Mother of pregnant woman has a very special role


Childbearing Family Continued

Consult healthcare provider plus a massage therapist for advice

Reluctant to take any medicine during pregnancy, even vitamins for fear of harming the fetus

Satisfy cravings so baby will not be marked with the craving


Childbearing Family Continued

Should be protected from a sudden fright for fear it will harm the fetus

Mother rather than husband may be the coach during birthing

Traditional may not want to bathe but engage in sponge bath and aromatic oils

Soup increases lactation


Death Rituals

Three days to week for wake after death to await for family to come together—varies in United States because of work schedules

Plenty of food available and family support Nine days of novenas in the home or church are

common Ritualistic mourning wearing black for one year


Death Rituals Continued

Burial is the most common but cremation is okay Body or ashes may be returned to the Philippines Open expression of emotions and may include

fainting


Spirituality

80% Christian with 90% of them Roman Catholic 5% practices Islam Many returning to Bathala, ancestral religion with

a spiritualist guide who is usually a woman


Spirituality Continued

Novenas and prayers are commonly said for the sick person

Good health comes to those who are in good with God and is the “Will of God”

Many are considered fatalistic, life is up to God, there is little one can do to change life circumstances and the forces of nature, monsoons, tides, volcanoes, earthquakes, etc.


Healthcare Practices

Adhere to Western medicine and traditional practices simultaneously

Health is the result of balance and moderation and God’s Will

Adequate sleep, rest, nutrition, and cleanliness are important for good health

Aromatic baths restore balance


Healthcare Practices Continued

In the Philippines many medicines can be purchased over-the-counter

May hoard and share medicine Many do not seek care until the illness is

advanced Many distrust the healthcare environment In the Philippines, one pays for testing before the

testing is done



Protect oneself from wind and cold Avoid extremes of hot and cold—balance Introduce changes gradually Pain is part of life and may be atonement for

immoral behavior and leads to stoicism Mental illness carries a stigma, is hereditary and

may affect one’s ability for a spouse



Mental illness may be severe before help is sought —take care of family member at home

Somatization of symptoms is common Important to maintain self-esteem and self-image

for self and family Able to enter the sick role easily


ClickerCheck

Mrs. Lino, age 38 years, has been seeing a traditional Filipino healer for her pregnancy complications. A Filipino traditional healer is

a.Galang.

b.Utang na loob.

c. Hilot.

d.Hiya.


Correct Answer

Correct answer: C

A hilot is a traditional Filipino healer.

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Ch13 1