Question

J.R. is a new registered dietitian nutritionist whose responsibilities at the medical center frequently involve nutrition interviewing, counseling, and community education. Many of her clients are from cultural and ethnic groups other than her own. They are mainly from UAE, India and Philippines. She is finding it somewhat overwhelming to understand the variety of unfamiliar foods that they eat. This also inhibits her ability to provide appropriate food alternatives as she counsels them on modifying their diets. She wants to increase her effectiveness as a counselor.

1- What cultural diversity information would be beneficial for J.R.?

2-What resources can you suggest for J.R.to assist in her counseling? Where would she find these resources?

3- What activities can J.R. plan in the community to educate these diverse groups?

4. What advice would you give to J.R. to make her efforts successful?

Answer 1

Nutritionist:

An expert or specialist in nutrition.

1. Cultural information : benefits

Cultural Diversity information can act as a helpful tool in understanding the certain cultural influences on the diet and nutrition of the particular cultural group. Culture exerts a huge influence on one's food choices, habitual consumption , food preparation and certain dietary restrictions etc. A Dietition Nutritionist should have a clear idea about the diverse cultural information pertaining to the counties and their food practices. For providing a culturally sensitive nutritional information, the Dietition have to understand the client's cultural background and food values. For example, People from UAE , may have religious and cultural restrictions to eat certain food items like Pork. Some Indian people won't take certain non Vegetarian food such as Beef.

2. Resources for Counselling:

* Dietition Associations to help the Dietition to practice in a more professionally and culturally sensitive way . Example: DIFM ( Dietitions in Integrative and functional Medicine)

* Seminars and workshops that conducted by different Health care and Educational organisation to understand multiculturalism and Health or Nutrition.

* Webinars offered by Professional bodies, such as Commission on Dietetic Registration, on Different cultures and their food habits.

* Guides that provide information about certain cultural and ethnic practices related to food and food habits.

* Online resources and text books, educational materials ,  to learn about the particular cultural practices and their beliefs and traditions related to cooking.

* Experts articles on nutrition, Nutrition and Dietics Journals and magazines.

* Friends and Co workers from these countries who can give information on their Food and cultural practices.  

3. Activities :  

JR can plan different activities that helps to educate the people , especially from UAE, India and Philippines.

* Conduct Health education programmes by joining with the hospitals or Health care settings  on contemporary nutritional issues like ' Osteoporosis and Calcium demands in women ' , 'Diet and risk of Coronary Artery Diseases' , ' Diabetic diets' etc.

* Make pamphlets and leaflets, that have creative photos and short description on different healthy diets to distribute among clients or patients.

* Organize workshops and seminars for mothers of these specific community to educate them regarding the importance of balanced diet or Heart healthy diet.

* Make use an interpreter, if she need.

4. JR has to take certain steps to be successful in her practice, such as:

* She has to study about the different cultures associated with these countries and the important cultural practices related to food habits existing in those countries.

* She has to respect and value the cultures of her clients '. It should come from heart , not an outward show.

* Be genuinely interest in them and their food culture.

* Understand the food fads and religious restrictions about their diets.

* learn the staple and popular foods that people use in those countries.

* The staple food items have to include the modified diet for patients from those countries.

* Cook with them or find friends from these countries to acquire more knowledge on their food practices.

* Be familiar with the cuisines of those countries'.