This paper discusses the adaptation of change theory to cross-cultural nursing or more specifically, the adaptation of Haitian and Hispanic mothers to American practices in the health care of pre-school children. The problems proposed are: How does one effect change in human systems? and What strategies and procedures does one apply in attempting to bring about change in human systems? Implicit in these questions is the assumption that knowledge of social-cultural and behavioral variables is important. A review of literature is presented on values, customs, culture and social organizations and health beliefs and practices of cultural groups. The dominant role that religion plays in the lives of Haitians and Hispanics is considered with particular emphasis upon the relationship between the people and their priests or Voodoo/doctors, to whom they look for guidance and healing. Three types of strategies for effecting change in human systems are discussed: (1) the empirical-rational strategies, which are based on the ability of humans to be logical and to reason; (2) the power-coercive approach, which places emphasis on the application of political and economic power; and (3) normative re-educative strategies, which are based upon the commitment to, and internalization of, sociocultural norms on the part of individuals. (JD)