AN EXPLORATION OF INTERCULTURAL NUTRITION THROUGH INTERNATIONAL VIRTUAL EXCHANGE
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Date
2024-05-02
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2026-05-01
Authors
Briggs, Lauren Elizabeth
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Abstract
Purpose: This study explored intercultural nutrition guidance to expand the cultural competence of nursing students and nurses caring for refugees from Ukraine. Significance: The impact of the current war on the nutrition of Ukrainian refugees has evoked a humanitarian crisis. Nurses are in the unique position to provide holistic care to all persons yet may not be adequately prepared to care for the nutritional needs of refugees from Ukraine. Refugees may face long-term challenges from nutritional concerns, including micronutrient deficiencies, undernutrition, and lack of culturally acceptable food options. Methodology: This qualitative descriptive study is one part of a mixed methods study, entitled “Intercultural Nursing Care for the Health and Well-being of Ukrainian Refugees” led by ECU Principal Investigator, Dr. Kim Larson. In Spring 2023, an International Virtual Exchange course was conducted with ECU and Polish nursing students from Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland (N=18). Data were generated from five reflection papers from 18 students, totaling 180 single-spaced typed pages. Polish reflection papers were translated by a native Polish speaker into English and confirmed using Deepl translation app. Data were de-identified and given ID numbers. Three research team members read the transcripts multiple times for key words and elements of intercultural nursing care. Data management included a codebook, with code words and definitions: nutrition, diet, overweight, obese, dietary, and food. Analytic matrices facilitated content and thematic analysis. Results: The three themes of intercultural nutrition identified were insufficient resources, inattention to dietary intake, and shared culture. Insufficient resources were represented by food insecurity, finances, and malnutrition. Inattention to dietary intake was represented by lack of nutrition knowledge and connection to overall health by both patients and nurses. Shared culture highlighted how food fulfills a sense of community and familiarity to the Polish diet. Discussion: Multilevel support is needed for long-term food security for refugees, including diet variability and sustainable efforts through community gardens. Public health centers can partner with NGOs to develop nutrition education programs in schools and community centers. Nursing programs should assess whether content addresses nutritional needs of refugees. Community gardens can support shared culture.