The topic for this week was appropriate for my current status in doing the literature review for my target population, Hmong Americans, one of the major barriers in which they face in health was adjusting to the new culture.
Displaced from their homeland of Laos, the Hmong people were forced to leave their home and come to America. With no knowledge of the American lifestyle and language they faced many health disparities due to acculturation.
However, not only does this affect the Hmong people, it affects all populations. With the increase in diversity in population among the U.S., there will be a need for bridging these cultures together in order to provide good health outcomes for all.
As a healthcare provider or health service provider, being culturally competent can help bridge and decrease health disparities among the various cultures. Being culturally competent it doesn’t just mean race/ethnicity but it emcompasses health beliefs, health practices, languages, socioeconomic status, and communication.
It appear relatively easy to apply this concept; however, it can be very difficult. Due to the many various cultures, there is no way of knowing how every culture perceives health. As a health professional, being open, honest, and putting any bias aside is a good start. I feel that this will allow open communication between patient-provider relationship and foster continued services and ultimately better health outcomes.
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