The Role of Culture in Supporting and Hindering Individuals with Chronic Illness
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Language: en
Added: Sep 15, 2025
Slides: 14 pages
Slide Content
The Role of Culture in Supporting and Hindering Individuals with Chronic Illness Course Name: HMSV3302:Chronic Illness Management Instructor: Ashley Holloway Date: May 23, 2024 http://projectitude.com/
Introduction Chronic illnesses, defined as conditions that develop and persist or recur over a long time, pose significant challenges to individuals' health and well-being (Earle, 2013) . These illnesses have various risk factors, which can be categorized as modifiable, such as obesity and tobacco use, or non-modifiable, like genetics and age. The influence of culture on chronic illness is profound, shaping health-related perceptions, classifications, and behaviors through interacting ideological, socio-economic, and practical processes ( Arnault , 2018). Understanding these cultural influences is crucial for developing effective health interventions and support systems. (Earle, 2013) https://calltofreedom.org/events/hidden-in-plain-sight-4-2/
Outline This presentation explores how culture both helps and hinders people with chronic illnesses. Understanding cultural impacts is essential for managing chronic illnesses effectively. Highlight cultural barriers affecting health outcomes Highlight cultural supports improving health outcomes. (Pexels, 2024)
Culture as a barrier in chronic illness Cultural beliefs may lead to viewing chronic illnesses as supernatural or moral failings, causing stigma and delaying medical help. Language differences can lead to misunderstandings and inadequate treatment plans, resulting in poorer health outcomes. Cultural dietary practices may conflict with medical advice, making adherence to dietary regimens for chronic illnesses challenging. Cultural norms and socioeconomic factors can limit access to healthcare, especially for women in certain cultures, delaying treatment. Pexel photos
Cultural beliefs as a barrier in chronic illness Supernatural Causes: Belief in supernatural causes delays medical treatment (Pan et al., 2019) . Traditional Healers: Preference for traditional healers over modern medicine. Stigma: Stigma around illness prevents seeking help. Fatalism: Acceptance of illness as fate reduces proactive care. Mistrust of Medicine: Distrust in modern medical practices hinders treatment adherence ( Bazargan et al., 2021). Pexel photos ( Bazargan et al., 2021) (Pan et al., 2019)
Cultural Norms and Socioeconomic Factors as a barrier in chronic illness Low income can restrict access to necessary medical services and medications. Non-utilization of medical and social services due lack of awareness and education Women may need male permission to seek care. Self-reliance and Home remedies Inadequate housing and environmental factors can exacerbate chronic conditions. Pexel photos
Language and communication as a barrier in chronic illness Many Aboriginal Canadians speak languages other than English. Language differences make it hard for patients to explain their symptoms and for providers to explain treatment plans (Kaufert & Putsch, 1997) Miscommunication can lead to misdiagnosis or improper treatment. Non-English speakers often struggle to understand medical terms and instructions. Effective communication is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Higher rates of chronic diseases emphasize the need for effective communication. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bridging-gap-enhancing-healthcare-through-multilingual-rmbif/
Cultural Significance of Food and Dietary Practices in Chronic Illness Traditional Diets : Cultural diets high in carbs, fats, or sugars may conflict with medical advice. Religious and Cultural Foods: Significant cultural or religious foods are hard to avoid, affecting adherence to dietary regimens ( Sibal , 2018) . Cooking Methods: Traditional cooking methods, like frying, increase unhealthy fat intake ( Garcimartín et al., 2020) . Social Norms: Social events and family meals centered around traditional foods create pressure to conform. Availability of Alternatives: Limited access to healthier food options in some cultures complicates adherence to prescribed diets. https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fhoney-guide.com%2F2017%2F01%2F27%2Faboriginal-taiwan-food-and-forests-part-1%2F&psig=AOvVaw3XQBMFZHy45SAikmSHDlfq&ust=1716783544668000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCNjlrKK7qoYDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
Culture as a support in chronic illness Culture may use holistic approaches for the modification of risk factors and treatment of symptoms Cultural values like faith and spirituality may support healthy behaviors and coping mechanisms Cultural and holistic approaches may influence personalized care and preferences leading to increased adherence and trust Culture may lead to increased society values. Traditional culinary may influence health eating habits resulting in increased health outcome ( Neuhouser , 2019) . https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.goodnet.org%2Farticles%2F6-healing-rituals-from-around-world&psig=AOvVaw3qPD_J8UEheQEY70AYgFgj&ust=1716231381223000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCJDb6KSymoYDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE ( Neuhouser , 2019)
Culture as a support in chronic illness Community networks play a crucial role in supporting individuals with chronic illnesses (Aspin et al., 2012). These networks offer both emotional and practical support, which is vital for managing health(Potvin-Boucher & Malone, 2014). (Aspin et al., 2012) https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu%2Fsocial-support&psig=AOvVaw2ujntYNWilnfpMonU6ovfT&ust=1716405329212000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCNDhhaK6n4YDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE (Potvin-Boucher & Malone, 2014)
Culture as a support in chronic illness Support groups within communities help members share experiences and coping strategies. Strong community support can improve mental health and overall well-being. Traditional and holistic approaches that include community involvement can enhance health and wellness. (Aspin et al., 2012) https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu%2Fsocial-support&psig=AOvVaw2ujntYNWilnfpMonU6ovfT&ust=1716405329212000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCNDhhaK6n4YDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
Cultural Competency in Healthcare Cultural competency in healthcare is essential for providing effective and respectful care to patients (Freeman et al., 2014) It involves understanding and respecting different cultural practices, beliefs, and values. Training healthcare providers in cultural sensitivity can improve patient-provider relationships (Why Is Cultural Competence Important for Patient-Provider Relationships?, n.d.). Culturally competent care can lead to better patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRKmuVO8l-3tes-v26Wt5LE4dPtWQRTpqv54NV7artKJA&s ( Why Is Cultural Competence Important for Patient-Provider Relationships? , n.d.)
Cultural Practices and Beliefs Cultural practices and beliefs play a vital role in supporting health and well-being. Holistic approaches and traditional healing methods often combine physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual elements for comprehensive care (Beaulieu & Reeves, 2022) . Integrating traditional practices with modern medicine can provide more comprehensive care ( Kustiyati et al., 2024) . https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fworld%2F2018%2Fapr%2F19%2Fcanada-indigenous-women-fight-for-equality-discrimination-first-nations&psig=AOvVaw0m2UUmzMSwCsNW3WqIvrfC&ust=1716405115453000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBIQjRxqFwoTCMDep7u5n4YDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAI ( Kustiyati et al., 2024) (Beaulieu & Reeves, 2022)
Conclusion Culture affects health in so many ways some of which are discussed in previous slides. Cultural factors influence the prevalence of chronic illnesses like diabetes, a traditional approach can be used to promote behavioral change like prevention or reduction of substance abuse (Earle, 2013) . Also, demonstration of cultural sensitivity can promote trust between patients and health care providers which can lead to better outcome for the patient because of acceptance of diagnosis and treatment adherence by the patient. Lastly, better treatment outcome can be achieved alongside health care utilization improved when attention is paid to culture ( Kreuter et al., 2003). http://projectitude.com/ (Earle, 2013) (Earle, 2013)