Define health disparity in your own words and describe one health disparity that affects or can affect the culture you have selected?

QUESTION

This week as we explore cultural diversity it is important to realize the impact culture plays in health promotion. It is essential that we become culturally competent to ensure we provide the best possible care and services to all of the patients we serve regardless of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Culture is embedded in one’s worldview and perception about health yet we often overlook how culture plays a role in individual’s health outcomes. In this week’s discussion, you will choose a vulnerable population (based on a cultural group, race, ethnicity, gender, etc), find a journal article (less than five years old) that pertains to the chosen cultural group and answer the following questions:

From the vulnerable population you selected, please describe in paragraph form including how their belief systems and view of health are impacted. Be sure to include a minimum of one socioeconomic factor and one regional and ethnic factor that should be considered when evaluating the health promotion needs of this population.
Define health disparity in your own words and describe one health disparity that affects or can affect the culture you have selected?
From the health disparities you identified in prompt two, which of these would be of the highest priority to screen for in your assessment of this individual?
Please note: You need to support your post with a scholarly source that is referenced using APA format and you include intext citations where you are using the referenced material in your post.

ANSWER

Cultural Impact on Health Promotion: Understanding Vulnerable Populations

Introduction

Cultural diversity significantly influences health promotion and the provision of equitable care. Cultural competence is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure that all patients, regardless of their cultural and ethnic backgrounds, receive optimal care. This discussion focuses on a vulnerable population, examining their belief systems, views on health, and the socioeconomic and regional/ethnic factors influencing their health promotion needs. Additionally, we explore the concept of health disparities and prioritize the screening of specific disparities for this population.

Vulnerable Population and Impact on Belief Systems and Health

For this discussion, let’s consider the Hispanic population in the United States. Hispanics encompass diverse cultural groups, with beliefs and views on health shaped by their cultural background, socioeconomic factors, and regional influences. Hispanic belief systems are often rooted in a collectivist worldview, where family and community play vital roles in health and well-being. Health is perceived holistically, encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. Traditional healing practices, such as herbal remedies and alternative therapies, may also be significant.

Socioeconomic and Regional/Ethnic Factors

When evaluating health promotion needs for Hispanics, considering socioeconomic and regional/ethnic factors is crucial. One socioeconomic factor to consider is educational attainment, as lower education levels can limit health literacy and access to healthcare resources. Language barriers, particularly for recent immigrants, may hinder effective communication and access to healthcare services. Regionally, variations in health outcomes can exist due to factors like limited healthcare infrastructure in rural areas, environmental exposures, and cultural practices specific to certain regions (e.g., dietary preferences, traditional ceremonies).

Definition of Health Disparity and Example

Health disparity refers to the unequal distribution of health outcomes among different population groups, often due to social, economic, or environmental disadvantages. One health disparity affecting the Hispanic population is diabetes prevalence and management. Hispanics have higher rates of diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. Factors contributing to this disparity include limited access to healthcare, cultural dietary preferences (e.g., higher consumption of high-sugar foods), and higher prevalence of obesity, which is a risk factor for diabetes.

Priority Screening for Health Disparities

Considering the health disparities identified, the highest priority for screening in the assessment of an individual from the Hispanic population would be diabetes screening. Given the higher prevalence of diabetes among Hispanics, early detection and management are crucial for reducing complications and improving health outcomes. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, assessing diabetes risk factors (e.g., obesity, family history), and promoting lifestyle modifications (e.g., healthy diet, physical activity) would be essential in the assessment and health promotion for this population.

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of culture on health promotion is vital for providing culturally competent care to vulnerable populations. For Hispanics, belief systems and views on health are influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, and regional factors. By addressing socioeconomic disparities, language barriers, and region-specific challenges, healthcare professionals can better meet the health promotion needs of this population. Recognizing and addressing health disparities, such as diabetes prevalence, becomes crucial for prioritizing screenings and interventions that can positively impact health outcomes and reduce disparities within the Hispanic population.