Culture is a set of behaviors, beliefs, and customs that are unique to a specific group of people.
People who hold these beliefs and customs are of also often referred to as a culture. The traditions and practices of a culture are passed from one generation to the next, and they provide people with a structure and set of values for living.
Understanding culture is important in a healthcare setting because culture is a central aspect of a patient's life. Many areas of life are influenced by culture: language, family and other social relationships, education, career choice, spiritual or religious beliefs, food preferences, health beliefs, and healthcare methods.