Asian and Russian Heritage and Health Beliefs

Cultural Group: Asian American

A Brief History of the Cultural Group

Asian Americans are descendants of Asian immigrants.
The largest immigrant population group in the U.S.
Asian immigration rose after 1965.
By 2014, there were 12.8 million Asian immigrants (Zong & Batalova, 2016).
Asian American population expected to grow further.

Values and Worldview

Asian Americans have diverse religious backgrounds.
Family is important in Asian culture.
Collectivism is prominent in Asian Americans (Paik, Rahman, Kule, Saito, & Witenstein, 2017).
Education is critical to life success.
Families often live together with grandparents.

Language and Communication Patterns

Asian Americans are often bilingual.
Mother tongue depends on family origins.
Reserved in terms of emotional expression (Paik et al., 2017).
Strong oral history traditions in families.
Asian parents may experience language barriers.

Art and Other Expressive Forms

Visual arts are particularly popular (Xiao, 2013).
Artistic expression inspired by traditional motifs (Xiao, 2013).
Children engage in different art forms.
Performance arts are also common.
Listen to American and Asian music.

Norms and Rules

Authoritarian parenting style is common (Paik et al., 2017).
Show respect and support for elders (Paik et al., 2017).
Preservation of individual and family honor.
Politeness and reserved attitude are normal.
Start a family later than Americans.

Lifestyle Characteristics

Nutrition depends on socio-cultural background.
Smoking and substance use are common.
Traditional healthcare is widely used (Paik et al., 2017).
Diligent, often work extra hours.
The level of activity varies among individuals.

Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals

Family is the primary source of support.
Ties with family members are strong (Paik et al., 2017).
Decreased rate of divorces and separations.
Seek family approval for major decisions.
Common rituals: celebrations, family gatherings.

Degree of Assimilation or Marginalization from Mainstream Society

The degree of assimilation depends on the age.
Younger Asian Americans are more assimilated.
Some Asian American communities are isolated (Paik et al., 2017).
Might experience language and cultural barriers (Smith, 2017).
Marginalized in predominantly white communities (Paik et al., 2017).

Health Behaviors and Practices

Traditional medicine includes herbal remedies.
Acupuncture is common in some communities.
Increased utilization of conventional health resources.
Avoid visiting a doctor when possible (Smith, 2017).
Low health literacy and risk awareness (Smith, 2017).

Socio-Cultural Group: Russian Heritage

A Brief History of the Socio-Cultural Group

The first wave of Russian immigration before WWI (Background information, n.d.).
Most Russian immigration was politically motivated (Background information, n.d.).
Many Russians fled to avoid prosecution.
Immigration was restricted during the Cold War (Background information, n.d.).
Well-established communities in most cities.

Values and Worldview

Family is significant for Russian immigrants (Bradford, 2017).
Collectivism and homeland are key values (Bradford, 2017).
Connection to culture remains for generations.
Strive for success in career and education.
Value generosity and honesty in people.

Language and Communication Patterns

Most families speak Russian at home.
Fluency in English depends on the career.
Many people speak several foreign languages.
Rarely express emotions and feelings (Bradford, 2017).
Willing to share information and help others (Bradford, 2017).

Art and Other Expressive Forms

Russia has a significant artistic heritage.
Ballet a popular art form in Russia (Bradford, 2017).
Classical music is part of Russian Heritage (Bradford, 2017).
Literature by Russian authors is popular (Bradford, 2017).
Clear ties between culture and art.

Norms and Rules

Family interests outweigh individual interests.
Children are taught to respect elders.
Successful career and education are imperative.
Patriarchy is prominent in Russian families.
Parents usually use an authoritarian parenting style.

Lifestyle Characteristics

Low level of physical activity.
High-fat diets due to traditional foods (Russians in Minnesota, 2013).
Office work and entrepreneurship are prevalent.
Alcohol use and smoking are common (Russians in Minnesota, 2013).
Disease prevention using herbal remedies.

Relationship Patterns and Common Rituals

Early marriage and high divorce rates.
Mothers and grandmothers care for children.
Can build lasting friendships and relationships.
Respect elders and often live together.
Russian holidays (e.g., New Year and Orthodox Christmas).

Degree of Assimilation or Marginalization from Mainstream Society

Many live in isolated Russian communities.
Build supportive relationships with other Russians.
Language barriers prevent cultural assimilation.
Marginalization due to small population size.
Experience alienation due to cultural differences.

Health Behaviors and Practices

Distrust towards medical professionals is widespread (Russians in Minnesota, 2013).
Low health literacy, reliance on self-medication.
Poor care-seeking behaviors lead to complications (Russians in Minnesota, 2013).
High incidence of chronic diseases.
Use home remedies for most conditions.

Comparison

Similar family relationships and parenting styles.
Both groups rely on herbal remedies.
Higher cultural assimilation in Asian Americans.
Asian Americans lead healthier lifestyles.
Gender inequality is more prominent among Russians.

Differential Approaches

Establish trustful relationships with Russian Americans.
Respect patient dignity with Asian Americans.
Encourage conventional medicine use (both groups).
Promote adequate care-seeking behaviors (both groups).
Provide education to improve health literacy (both groups).

References

Background Information. (n.d.). Web.

Bradford, A. (2017). Russian culture: Facts, customs & traditions.

Paik, S. J., Rahman, Z., Kula, S. M., Saito, L. E., & Witenstein, M. A. (2017). Diverse Asian American families and communities: Culture, structure, and education (Part 1: Why they differ). School Community Journal, 27(2), 35-66.

Russians in Minnesota. (n.d.).

Smith, S. (2017). Language, cultural norms clash with optimal care for some Asian-Americans. Web.

Xiao, A. (2013). Americas newest creative class: Asian Americans.

Zong, J., & Batalova, J. Asian immigrants in the United States.

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