Tag: Cultural competence

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition—encompassing both undernutrition and overnutrition—presents significant threats to human health and can severely impact patient outcomes during hospitalization. For nurses, understanding the ethical dimensions of nutrition and diet is crucial to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care that aligns with their professional responsibilities. This involves respecting patient choices, ensuring access to adequate nutrition, and navigating difficult decisions, such as end-of-life care.

According to a 2018 study, 75% of individuals worldwide reported that cultural traditions influence their food choices, a figure that highlights how deeply ingrained dietary practices are. This makes understanding why it is important to consider a patient's culture and religion when planning the patient's diet absolutely critical for healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive and respectful care.