Cultural Diversity

Question 0

Why is cultural diversity in practice important?

Answer 0

Increased diversity of populations & disparities in care accessed/differential outcomes

Problems:

• feeling of pressure due to time constraints (unable to assess individual needs)
• fear of unknown/new (intimidating)
• self-protection/denial (differences are not significant)
• lack of knowledge (inability to recognise differences)

Causes miscommunication, non-compliance, rejection of healthcare, conflict/isolation amongst staff

Question 1

Define cultural diversity.

Answer 1

Dynamic process based on active engagement

• range of differences relating to individual characteristics beyond ethnicity (multiculturalism)
• culture defines by each person in relationship to the group or groups with whom he or she identifies
• affected by many factors
• based on heritage as well as individual circumstances & personal choice
• influence how patients & health care professionals perceive health and illness and how they react

note: sense of identity based on interplay of external and internal meanings & patients define which aspect of their cultural belonging is relevant at any particular point

Question 2

Give some examples of how cultural diversity influences healthcare service.

Answer 2

• approach to mental health
• way certain symptoms and behaviours are interpreted
• view of potential services
• which treatment/management is acceptable
• how mental health problems are perceived
• visibility of services
• experience of service use
• accessibility of services

Question 3

What pressures can young people face relating to cultural diversity?

Answer 3

Religion 
Expected gender roles 
Social norms 
Family expectations 
Sexual orientation
Forced marriages 
Reconciling public & private domains