People of Cuban Heritage

The experience of Cubans in their homeland and in the US and elsewhere is distinct from other Hispanic groups. The history and culture of Cuba and the Cuban people have been heavily influenced by Spain, the US, the Soviet Union, and through the slave trade in Cuba’s sugar industry by West African groups such as the Yoruba. Cubans have relocated to Spain, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico, and other Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as Canada and European nations such as Germany, Italy, and France. Little is written about Cubans who have migrated to these countries. This chapter follows the dominant values and beliefs according to the 12 domains of the Purnell Model of Cultural Competence: overview/heritage, communication, family roles and organization, workforce issues, biocultural ecology, high-risk behaviors, nutrition, pregnancy, death rituals, spirituality, health-care practices, and health-care practitioners.