Multicultural HealthInfluences of Culture on

Health

Learning Objectives Understand the influences of culture on

health Understand factors impacting on

Multicultural Health Care

A Definition

“Multicultural health is the phrase used to reflect the need to provide health care services in a sensitive, knowledgeable and non-judgemental manner with respect for people’s health beliefs and practices when they are different than your own”.

Ritter and Hoffman (2010) page 5

Influences of culture on health

Health in general is influenced by The environment Your genetics Socioeconomic and Social and cultural factorsEveryone has a cultural background. Culture defines what we think, what we say and what we do.

Influences of culture on health

Culture impacts on An individual’s perception of health and

illness Their health behaviour beliefs of what is a health issue why they have the illness and influences how people perceive they

should talk about the illness.

Influences of culture on health

Being able to recognise accept and respect cultural similarities and differences is an important in the

delivery of effective health care services and ability to provide this service within a cultural

context.

This is the focus of Multicultural Health.

Factors impacting on health care

Language barriers and accents Communication Universal cultural patterns /norms Contextual factors eg housing, educational level, socio-economic status Health beliefs Acculturation continuum factors or level of cultural adaptation Alternate treatments

Factors impacting on health care

Religious and spiritualDietary and food requirementsMedication requirements Birthing /end of life and death ritualsAccess to and knowledge of servicesClient support knowledge Staff knowledge / competence/ support

PROPERTIESAllow user to leave interaction: After viewing all the stepsShow ‘Next Slide’ Button: Show upon completionCompletion Button Label: Next Slide

Your experience Think about some situations you

have encountered where culture has had an impact on a client’s health care

Record your thoughts in the following activity

PROPERTIESOn passing, 'Finish' button: Goes to Next SlideOn failing, 'Finish' button: Goes to Next SlideAllow user to leave quiz: After user has completed quizUser may view slides after quiz: At any timeUser may attempt quiz: Unlimited times

Conclusion This series of slides has provided

information on the multi-cultural factors that impacts on health care

The next presentation will look at the very important element of effective communication with our multicultural clients and co-workers