The Cultural Effects of Diversity on Human Health

Cultural diversity occurs when different ethnic, gender, racial and socioeconomic groups all exist within the same social structure. In essence, culture is the way that groups of people live. Health care is a critical component of an individual's overall wellness. Cultural diversity has various effects on health care issues.

Communication

• Communication across cultural lines is necessary to understand what expectations each culture may have regarding health care services. Language barriers can create misunderstandings, which may lead to an inaccurate diagnosis or a patient not fully understanding the appropriate actions he should take to address his health needs. Some cultures may also be hesitant to discuss personal health matters, which may make providing care more difficult. These cultural differences affect communications and can hinder the individual's ability to steer his way through the nuances of the health care system.

Belief System

• A patient may not comply with medical guidance if she feels it conflicts with her cultural beliefs abut health care. Some belief systems may cause a patient to resist following directives that can reduce risk factors or alleviate certain heath conditions. Health care professionals who show respect for and acknowledge cultural belief systems can readily address the effects that those beliefs have on providing care. Armed with cultural knowledge, health care professionals may be able to adapt the ways they deliver care that will show an understanding of cultural diversity.

Access to Health Care Services

• Racial disparities for minority groups result in significantly less access to health

  care and health care insurance. Poverty limits health care access and the quality of care that may be available. Some delay seeking treatment because of the inability to pay, which may lead to health complications. As America becomes increasingly diverse, immigration status has become a major component of disparities in insurance coverage and access to care, with very few illegal immigrants having access to health care.

Trust

• All cultures do not trust medical professionals. In some cultures, people may seek medical care only after a close friend or family member has referred them to a particular doctor. Others may want to establish a long-term relationship with their health care professional. In some cultures, the people have an immediate mistrust of those in authority because of past experience with those in authority. A lack of trust will result in a patient failing to seek care or refusing care because of cultural misgivings.