Caring For Chinese, Filipino, & Vietnamese Populations
Describe health and illness practices that may augment problems associated with the treatment of hypertension for Chinese-American clients.
Describe the locus-of-control variable that some Filipino Americans have that may influence health-seeking behavior.
Describe the importance of folk medicine and folk healers to Vietnamese Americans.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.