Page 256 - Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice

244 U N I T 2 Nutrition in Health Promotion

Table 10.3 Leading Causes of Death of Selected Groups in the United States

Cause of African Hispanic or Latino
Americans
Death Rank Americans Asian Americans White Americans

1 Heart disease Cancer Cancer Heart disease

2 Cancer Heart disease Heart disease Cancer

3 Stroke Unintentional injuries Stroke Chronic lower respiratory
disease

4 Unintentional Stroke Unintentional injuries Stroke
injuries

5 Diabetes Diabetes Diabetes Unintentional injuries

6 Nephritis, ne- Chronic liver disease Influenza and Alzheimer disease

phrotic syn- and cirrhosis pneumonia

drome, and

nephrosis

7 Chronic lower Chronic lower respira- Chronic lower respira- Diabetes

respiratory tory diseases tory disease

disease

8 Homicide Influenza and Suicide Influenza and pneumonia

pneumonia

9 Septicemia Homicide Nephritis, nephrotic Nephritis, nephrotic syn-
syndrome, and drome, and nephrosis
nephrosis

10 HIV/AIDS Nephritis, nephrotic Alzheimer disease Suicide

syndrome, and

nephrosis

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities. Available at www.cdc.gov/omhd/
populations/definitions.htm. Accessed on 10/29/12.

and practices are shared by white Americans in the southern United States, particularly
those of lower socioeconomic status or living in rural areas (Kulkarni, 2004).

Traditional soul foods tend to be high in fat, cholesterol, and sodium and low in pro-
tective nutrients, such as potassium (fruits and vegetables), fiber (whole grains and vegeta-
bles), and calcium (milk, cheese, and yogurt). Corn and corn products (grits and cornmeal)
are the primary grain. Meats are often breaded and fried. A variety of beef and pork cuts are
consumed, as are poultry, oxtail, tripe, and tongue. Table 10.4 highlights traditional soul
foods and the impact of acculturation on food choices.

Although soul food has become a symbol of African American identity and African
heritage, today African Americans’ food habits usually reflect their current socioeco-
nomic status, geographic location, and work schedule more than their African or south-
ern heritage (Kittler et al., 2012). Soul food may be reserved for special occasions and
holidays.

Health Beliefs

The health beliefs and practices of some African Americans are a blend of traditional African
concepts as well as those encountered through early contact with both Native Americans
and Whites (Kittler et al., 2012). Some African Americans believe that ill health is due to
bad luck or fate. Home remedies and natural therapies may be frequently used.