Patient autonomy and patient confidentiality are often culturally irrelevant. These classifications are instead defined by culture, tradition, and personal experiences over time. Latin American Prenatal Women avoid cutting their hair while pregnant. Asian Postpartum Mother and newborn should not have visitors who are in mourning, are widows, or have deceased children. African Prenatal Geophagia, or the ingestion of soil, chalk, or clay, is not uncommon during pregnancy.
Belief is that when they are already having children, they are no longer at risk.
Example Lessons for Health Care Professionals From Knowledge of Cultural Beliefs or Immigrant Experiences Culture or Immigrant Experience American Health Care Professional Sexual abuse is prevalent among some Southeast Asian and African refugees. This makes pelvic exams traumatic and difficult, and may lead to low rates of regular Pap smears and gynecological exams. Not all immigrants have the same immigration history or the same reasons for migrating to the U.S., and patients usually do not openly discuss their refugee experiences. HCP should not assume that all women, even well educated immigrant women, have a basic knowledge of reproductive health and anatomy. According to this theory, women may follow specific diets for certain health conditions, including pregnancy.