PUB 520 GCU Cultural Competence in Public Health Essay

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Introduction:
As public health professionals, it is crucial to understand the impact of culture on an individual’s perception of health, decision making, and health behaviors. Apart from addressing health disparities, improving cultural competence can also enhance the overall health of diverse populations. In this assignment, we will discuss the various aspects of culture and its impact on public health.

1. Define culture. What elements make up a person’s culture? How do those elements impact a person’s perception of health, health decision making, and health behaviors?

Culture refers to a set of beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviors shared by a group of individuals. It includes language, customs, religion, food, art, and music. Every individual’s culture shapes their perceptions of health, health decision making, and health behaviors. For example, in some cultures, mental illness is stigmatized, and people avoid seeking help. Whereas in others, it is considered a normal aspect of life, and seeking help is encouraged. Similarly, in cultures where individualism is valued, people tend to focus on their personal health, whereas in collectivist cultures, the emphasis is on the community’s health.

2. What personal cultural elements impact your own health behaviors and health decision making?

Personal cultural elements, such as religion, family traditions, and food preferences, may impact an individual’s health behaviors and decision making. For example, individuals belonging to certain religions may avoid certain types of food or follow specific dietary restrictions. Family traditions may influence a person’s lifestyle choices, such as physical activity, smoking habits, and alcohol consumption.

3. How might your own cultural or personal biases affect your perception of other cultures and their health behaviors?

Personal cultural biases may lead to stereotypes and misconceptions about other cultures, which in turn may impact an individual’s perception of their health behaviors. For instance, an individual may assume that individuals from a certain culture are not interested in improving their health, which may lead to a lack of empathy and cultural insensitivity.

4. Describe the difference between cultural competency and diversity.

Cultural competency refers to the ability to understand, respect, and effectively work with individuals from different cultures. It involves acquiring knowledge about different cultures and avoiding stereotypes. On the other hand, diversity refers to a range of differences in various factors, such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and culture.

5. Describe some specific strategies public health professionals can implement to improve their cultural competence as they work to decrease health disparities and improve the health of diverse populations.

Public health professionals can improve their cultural competence by:

– Acquiring knowledge about different cultures, such as beliefs, values, and practices.
– Avoiding stereotypes and preconceived notions about different cultures.
– Building relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and understanding their unique needs.
– Providing culturally competent care by tailoring interventions according to the individual’s culture and beliefs.
– Being aware of language barriers and providing interpreters if necessary.
– Collaborating with community-based organizations to promote health equity and reduce health disparities.