Transcript Haitian Culture

Cultural Diversity
ELDER Project
Fairfield University School of Nursing
Haitian Culture
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Objectives: Upon completion of this session, the
participants will be able to ….
 Discuss the role of religion, traditional health care beliefs,
social values, and family structure of Haitian Culture and
the impact these factors have on health care.
 Identify specific culturally sensitive practices that can be
incorporated into your work with Haitian patients and
Haitian American patients.
 Identify similarities and differences between the Haitian
and Jamaican cultures.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Introduction:
 The Haitian community in the United States is diverse
and their differences in social class and regional
variations make it difficult to generalize about this
population.
 This group is comprised of 95% Black and 5% Mulatto.
 Most Haitians indicate Black or African American as
their racial category, but do not identify with that
culture.
 Currently, there is no category for them on surveys.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Introduction:
 Haiti’s history has been plagued with political violence for
most of its existence:
 In 1492 Columbus landed on the island of Hispaniola
(Spanish Island) which was originally inhabited by Taino and
Arawak Indians.

Almost immediately the Spanish set up agricultural settlements
using the natives on the island as labor.
 Early 1500’s – The Spaniard began to bring over slaves from
West Africa
 Early 1600’s – France became interested in the island
 1697 - The Spanish cede the western third of the island to
France via the Treaty of Ryswick.

Formed a French colony called Saint-Dominque and became one
of the richest
colonies of the time period.
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Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Introduction:
 1789 - The French Revolution started
 1804 - After 3 decades of slave revolts, Haiti declared
independence from France and became the first black
republic in the world.

The leader at the time chose an Arawak name meaning “country
of mountains”.
 1844 - Dominican Republic declares its independence from
Haiti
 1915 - The Unites States invaded Haiti as a strategic move
during World War I, and occupies the nation for almost 25
years.

Although the U.S. did improve the conditions of the cities,
poverty and illiteracy still predominated. The Americans left in
1934, leaving behind a well-trained military.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Communication:
 Two official languages-Haitian Creole (known as Kreyol)
and French Kreyol (mixture of French and African
languages that Haitian slaves spoke).
 Creole is spoken by the majority of Haitians.
 Identifying as French is an indicator of social class.
 Oral forms of communication are preferred over written
forms of communication.
 Word of mouth is used to disseminate information.
 It is common for Haitians to use a lot of hand gestures while
talking.
 Speech may be loud, but it is not an indication of anger.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Communication:
 Direct eye contact is appropriate to use with friends, along
with an active tone of voice.
 Eye contact is avoided with those of higher socioeconomic
status or someone of authority.
 Touch is accepted in informal situations; however,
embracing those of the opposite sex is not typical.
 A stern handshake is an acceptable greeting in formal
situations.
 Often smile and nod head, but this does not indicate
understanding.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Family and Social Structure:
 Family is very important and often those Haitians living in
the US have financial responsibility to those who are still in
Haiti.
 Haitians in the U.S. do not identify themselves solely as
residents of America or Haiti, but instead live life that bridges
both countries
 Home is geared towards the needs and strengths of the
extended family.
 Households often consist of multiple generations
 Traditionally a patriarchal society:
 Men are the bread winners and do not get involved in child
care at home.
 The man has ultimate control.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Family and Social Structure:
 Children are viewed as a gift from God.
 Elderly parents live with children.
 It is considered an honor when a parent has chosen the child’s
home to live.
 Mother, father or elder family member makes the healthcare
decisions.
 Elders are viewed as knowledgeable and their counsel is
sought.
 Education is important; it can improve social status.
 Gender roles are strictly defined:
 In healthcare, nurses are women and physician are men and
expected to be an authority and trusted to do what needs to
be done.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
View of Illness:
 Illness is thought to have either a natural or supernatural
cause.
 Natural illness occurs due to an imbalance with nature,
thus a short duration.
 If hot and cold equilibrium is disturbed, it results in a natural
illness.
 Illness can also be caused by sympathetic magic, such as
voodoo dolls and magicoreligious beliefs
 Supernatural illness is caused by God or the spirits and
usually appears suddenly, without warning.
 Sick person becomes passive and allows others to help.
 Family typically comes to their assistance.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
View of Illness:
 Illnesses specific to this group:
 Fright (seizisman):
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Result of extreme fright, surprise or shock.
Believe blood is moved from the head into the body and causes
headache, visual disturbance and temporary mental problems.
 Oppression:
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Describes asthma or a state of hyperventilation and anxiety.
 Evil eye (maldyok):
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Result of a person’s envious glance and could be accidental.
It can cause gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea) in children.

DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division
It is treatedSupported
by an by
herbalist
or a voodooof practitioner.

Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Folk Medicine:
 Believe they are sick if the illness interferes with their
ability to work.
 Home remedies are used first and include herbal
preparations, massage, and over-the-counter medications.
 These remedies are often passed on by the family and Haitian
Americans will even have ingredients sent from Haiti.
 Often biomedical care will be simultaneously used with
magico-religious care.
 Strong belief that the quality of a person’s blood signifies
the health of the person.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Folk Medicine:
 Health care practitioners include:
 Voodoo practitioners –
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They help with supernatural illnesses.
They are well respected in the community.
They diagnosis using cards, shells or trances.
They treat with dancing, incantations, herbal preparations,
prayer and the calling on of spirits.
They utilize a holistic perspective.
It is not uncommon for American Haitians to seek help of these
practitioners even if it means going back to Haiti.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Folk Medicine:
 Health care practitioners continued:
 Herbalists
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Are the most common traditional healers
Lay trained; have no formal training.
Are sought out for common illnesses such as colds, fever, and
diarrhea.
They treat evil eye (maldyok) as well.
They utilize a holistic perspective.
 Midwives

They deliver babies and provide prenatal care.
Lay trained; have no formal training.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Folk Medicine:
 Health care practioners continued:
 Bone setters

They treat musculoskeletal problems.
Their treatment includes casts, massage, manipulation, poultices
(soft, herbal treated, warm covering) and prayer.
 Injectionists

They travel from area to area giving injections of whatever is
needed.
They use medication and herbal preparations.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Time Orientation:
 Present orientation.
 Sense of time management does not emphasize punctuality
as this is not seen as an issue.
 Do not consider being late for appointments rude.
Dietary Habits:
 Haitian cuisine has both French and African influences.
 Grains are a staple of the Haitian diet.
 Rice is eaten at almost every meal and is often cooked with
beans and served with sauce.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Dietary Habits:
 Typically the largest meal is eaten in the middle of the day.
 Heavy foods are eaten during this time and include:
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potatoes, cornmeal mush, and broiled plantains
 These foods provide energy for work.
 A good amount of spices are used in cooking.
 A common Haitian dish is griot:
 fried pork cubes marinated in sour orange juice and garlic.
 Food is often used to establish relationships and networks
with new friends.
 Foods have a light or heavy characteristic.
 Light foods are eaten at night because they are easily digested.
 They include bread and soup.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Dietary Habits:
 Haitians believe there are certain times when a person
should not eat hot foods and certain times when a person
should not eat cold foods.
 For example, if a person was hot from exercise, cold foods will
not be eaten.

The belief is that this can throw off a person’s equilibrium.
 Some may be reluctant to try new foods.
 They believe a healthy baby is a fat baby.
 This perspective carries over into adulthood.
 Weight is associated with health.
 Good nutrition means eating a lot.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Religious Beliefs:
 Religious beliefs affect almost every aspect of Haitian
society.
 80% are Catholic

Catholicism is very ritualistic and has adapted itself to local
ritual.
 16% Protestant
 This culture is most famous for Voodoo and exists side by
side with the Christian faiths.
 Roughly half of the population practices Voodoo
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Religious Beliefs:
 Voodoo is a fatalistic religion; it is believed that your
destiny is controlled by spirits and only by contacting them
can you control your destiny.
 Voodoo is a mixture of African and Haitian beliefs.
 It is made of a large number of spirits who have great
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influence on people and must be respected.
Daily life is conducted according to what would make these
spirits happy.
Voodoo is the national religion of Haiti.
No organized hierarchy or specific theology exists.
To some degree, most Haitians practice or are affected by
Voodoo in some way.
Its most important tenant is healing people from sickness.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Religious Beliefs:
 Ministers of Voodoo include priests or houngan and
priestess or the mambo.
 Their major duties include:
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healing
presiding over rituals
foretelling the future
dream reading
spell casting
creating protections
making potions
animal sacrifice
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Religious Beliefs:
 There are two types of Voodoo:
 White magic (Rada) – which deals with peaceful worship of
happy spirits.
 Black magic (Petro) – which deals with angry spirits, death
curses and orgies.
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This practice only represents 5% of all Voodoo practiced.
Black magic is related to Voodoo like Satanism is related to
Christianity.
 Many are sensitive to being seen as voodoo worshipers, yet
it continues in the U.S.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Haitian Culture
Conclusion:
 Trust is a key issue with the Haitian culture.
 One way to establish trust is to sympathize with the patient
and their family and acknowledge specific stressors, which
can help calm fears.
 Just listening without saying anything can bring positive
benefits.
 Sensitivity must be given to the specifics of Haitian
identity.
 Health care providers must recognize Haitians as distinct
from other Caribbean people and African Americans.
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Reference
 Cultural Competency and Haitian Immigrants. Retrieved January 23,
2011 from http://www.salisbury.edu/nursing/haitiancultcomp.
 Haiti: A Historical Time Line. Retrieved on March 23rd, 2010 from
http://www.theroot.com/views/haiti-historical-timeline?page=0,0
 Jacobson, E. (2003). An Introduction to Haitian Culture for
Rehabilitation Services Providers. Retieved January 11, 2011 from
http://cirrie.buffalo.edu/monographs/haiti.php.
 The World Factbook: Haiti. Retrieved on March 23rd, 2010 from
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-worldfactbook/geos/ha.html
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Nursing Grant#D62HP06858
Power Point Presentation
Created by:
Joyce Cunneen, MSN, RN
Fairfield University School of Nursing
ELDER Project Education Coordinator
Monica Starr, BSN, RN
Fairfield University School of Nursing
ELDER Project Program Coordinator
Supported by DHHS/HRSA/BHPR/Division of
Nursing Grant#D62HP06858