Cultural Considerations in Hypertension Management:

Chinese-American Clients:

Here are some health and illness practices that may augment problems associated with hypertension treatment for Chinese-American clients:

• Dietary Practices: Traditional Chinese cuisine often emphasizes salty foods, fermented foods, and certain herbs that can elevate blood pressure.
• Limited English Proficiency: Language barriers can make it difficult for clients to understand medication instructions and potential side effects.
• Emphasis on “Balance” and “Heatiness”: Chinese medicine views health as a balance between yin and yang. Some may believe high blood pressure is a sign of “heatiness” and avoid medications considered “cooling” (potentially neglecting necessary medications).
• “Saving Face” and Stigma: Cultural emphasis on not burdening others and avoiding stigma associated with chronic illness might lead to underreporting symptoms or delaying treatment.

Locus of Control and Filipino-American Health Seeking Behavior:

Locus of control refers to the extent individuals believe they have control over their health. Filipino Americans may exhibit an external locus of control where they believe health is influenced by fate, powerful others (like doctors), or spiritual forces. This can impact health-seeking behavior:

• Delaying Doctor Visits: Individuals with an external locus of control may wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking medical attention.
• Passive Participation in Treatment: They might rely heavily on physicians’ decisions and show less initiative in managing their own health (e.g., medication adherence).
• Openness to Traditional Healers: Individuals may consult faith healers or traditional Filipino medicine practitioners (Hilots) alongside conventional medicine.

Importance of Folk Medicine and Healers for Vietnamese Americans:

Folk medicine (Thuat Nguoi) and folk healers (Thuoc Ba Ba) play a significant role in Vietnamese healthcare, particularly among immigrants:

• Familiar and Accessible: Folk remedies using herbal medicine and traditional practices may be familiar and more readily available than conventional healthcare.
• Cultural Significance: Folk medicine is often passed down through generations and represents cultural beliefs about health and healing.
• Complementary Treatment: Some Vietnamese Americans may use folk medicine alongside conventional treatment, believing it strengthens the body or addresses specific symptoms.

Considerations for Healthcare Providers:

• Develop Cultural Competency: Healthcare providers should be aware of these practices and their potential impact on treatment adherence.
• Respectful Communication: Build trust by demonstrating respect for patients’ cultural beliefs and healthcare practices.
• Collaborative Approach: Encourage patients to discuss their use of folk medicine and work collaboratively to create a treatment plan that aligns with their cultural background.