Providing nursing care for a Chagga client of Tanzania

A case study is used to present features of a cultural assessment of the Chagga tribe. The purpose is to identify guidelines for provision of culturally congruent nursing care. "Mrs. Chuwa" lives on the foothills of Kilimanjaro. Daily survival is a major concern; the extended family is an important source of support. Traditional beliefs have a major impact on her life; traditional practitioners are alternative resources to dispensaries and clinics. Nurses providing care for Chaggas need to be aware of how important it is to communicate with respect, to obtain an accurate treatment history, and to ensure social and spiritual care is provided. Nurses need to be proactive in issues such as improving health for the community, addressing poverty, and professional development.