Exploring Cultural Aspects of Healthcare in the Asian Community
· Contact an individual from the cultural group (ASIAN COMMUNITY) and conduct a cultural interview.
· This interview can be in person, over the phone, or through a video call.
· The individual can be a patient, neighbor, grandparent, in-law, or friend. Do not use your parent, brother, sister, spouse, or significant other.
· Respect the interviewee’s privacy and cultural beliefs.
· Use the interview questions developed (SEE BELOW) and mind map attached (SEE BELOW)
· Take notes during the interview to capture the key points discussed.
· Formulate the interview into a PowerPoint presentation
· The presentation is to be original work and logically organized, formatted, and cited in the current APA style, including citations and references.
· The PowerPoint presentation should consist of 10-15 slides and be 10-15 minutes in length
· Incorporate a minimum of 4 current (published within the last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work. Journal articles should be referenced according to the current APA style
· Be sure to answer the following questions in the presentation:
· Did your preconceptions or stereotypes influence the interview process?
· What cultural factors emerged during the interview that could impact healthcare decisions?
· How might you adapt your nursing practice to provide culturally competent care for individuals from this cultural group based on the interview insights?
RUBRIC:
QUESTIONS:
1. Can you share a bit about your cultural background and traditions?
a. I come from an Asian background where family, respect for elders, and community harmony are central. Our traditions often revolve around family gatherings, religious festivals, and rituals tied to the lunar calendar. Education and hard work are highly valued, and many decisions are made collectively as a family.
2. How is health typically viewed or understood in your culture?
a. Health is seen as a balance between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In many Asian cultures, we believe in the importance of balance in the body, like yin and yang in Chinese culture, or the doshas in Indian Ayurveda. Prevention is often emphasized over treatment, and diet and lifestyle are considered crucial to maintaining health.
3. What values or beliefs are especially important in your culture?
a. Respect, especially toward elders and authority figures, is deeply important. Harmony, modesty, and self-control are also highly valued. Many people in my culture try not to be a burden on others, which sometimes means we may avoid openly expressing pain or discomfort.
4. Are there any challenges you face when communicating with healthcare providers in English?
a. Yes, especially for older generations or recent immigrants, there can be challenges with medical terminology and understanding complex instructions. Even for those who speak English, cultural nuances may make it difficult to ask questions or express disagreement with a provider.
5. Are there specific cultural or religious practices that healthcare providers should be aware of (e.g., modesty, dietary practices, prayer rituals)?
a. Yes. Modesty is important, especially for women—many prefer same-gender providers. Certain dietary restrictions may be based on religion (e.g., avoiding beef in Hinduism, pork in Islam, or vegetarianism in Buddhism). Some people may also fast during religious observances or prefer to pray before undergoing medical procedures.
6. What helps you feel respected, safe, and understood when visiting a healthcare provider?
a. Taking time to listen patiently and explain things clearly helps build trust. Respecting our cultural values, like modesty or involving family in decisions, also makes a big difference. Nonverbal communication like calm tone and eye contact is important, but too much direct eye contact may feel uncomfortable in some cases.
7. Do you prefer healthcare providers who share your cultural or language background? Why or why not?
a. It can be helpful, especially when language barriers exist or when discussing culturally sensitive issues. A provider who understands our background can communicate more effectively and may be more attuned to cultural beliefs that influence health decisions. However, respect and cultural sensitivity are more important than shared ethnicity alone.
8. Are there traditional remedies or practices that are commonly used in your community (e.g., herbal medicine, acupuncture, Ayurveda)?
a. Yes, traditional remedies are still widely used. For example, herbal teas, acupuncture, cupping therapy, and Ayurvedic practices are common. Many people believe in using natural remedies before turning to Western medicine. Some elders may also consult spiritual healers or use home remedies passed down through generations.
