HPsych 7 Flashcards
Define ‘Culture’
Culture is defined by each person in relationship to the group(s) whith whom they identify
Based on heritage and individual circumstances/choices
How might culture impact someone’s presentation to healthcare services?
Affects:
The way mental health problems are adressed
They way certain behaviours and symptoms are made sense of
Their view on potential services and those they wish to use
Treatments they find acceptable
Perception of those with mental health issues
Why is taking culture into account in healthcare important?
Increasing diversity of patients and workforce
Workforce must be able to effectively communicate with each other and patients
Reduction of mis-understandings if we attempt to understand culture of patient/collegue and take that into account
Ineffective communication can lead to non-compliance/rejection of service
Increasing evidence of this patient-centred approach improving outcomes
Why is taking into account culture durin the treatment of younger persons important?
Awareness of cultural expectations and pressures that may be on them will increase understanding and lead to effective communication
Problems related to reconciliation of culture and personal wants (gender roles, religion, social norms, sexual orientation)
Why do doctors need to be educated about sexual behaviour?
Sexual behaviour is a major determinant of reproduction and sexual health
Doctors need to be able to answer queries on sexual behaviour and sex related to medical conditions
Patients tend to consult their GPs first about sexual problems
Promotion of sexual health (STIs, contraception)
Need to be able to reflect on views of sexual behaviour as GMC requirement
What are the implications of the variety of interpretations as to what ‘having sex’ means for a practitioner?
How can we try to minimise the effect this has on our practice?
Could lead to difficulties getting accurate information from patients (sexual history) or when discussing sexual behaviour
Important to:
Use specific terms for sexual behaviour
Check the patient’s understand of what you said
Check your own understand of what they said
Outline two early studies done into human sexuality
Kinsey, 1948, 1953:
Interviews done with over 11,000 participants covering the length and breadth of sexual behaviours
Findings highlighted the diversity od sexual behaviour
Masters and Johnson:
Extensive studies and observation on volunteers orgasming, masturbating or having sex
Described the sexual response cycle, debunked myths about orgasm (particularly female) and informed the development of sexual behaviour therapy
Outline a more modern study into sexual behaviour that takes place in the UK
National survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles (Natsal)
Performed on 3 occasions (1990, 2000, 2010)
Natsal 3 represented 15,000 people aged 16-74
People were asked about sexual behaviours in their own homes by an interviewer using standard questions
What are the main changes in the UK’s sexual behaviours since Natsal 1?
Increase in partners
Increase in oral and anal sex
Decrease in frequency of sex
More people report same sex experiences
More people accept same sex experiences
Higher incidence of condom use in last 4 weeks
Higher rate of HIV testing and STD clinic visits
Why might Natsal be getting innaccurate data?
Embarrassed/relucant to report
May not be able to recall
Sampling:
- Under 16s and over 74s not included*
- Behaviour of people that declined to take part might differ*
