Understanding cultural differences is a very important aspect of delivering health care to various populations who have immigrated to the United States from various parts of the world. Collaborating with others to explore these differences allows you to gather varying viewpoints on these differences and how they might impact health care delivery.
Part I: Individual work
Select 1 chapter in The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down that discusses Hmong history (Ch. 8 to 14) to read individually.
Write a summary of the chapter that includes the following:
Identify the historical events or cultural practices in your selected chapter.
Examine and describe how these differences create disparities between U.S. health care and the Hmong in California My assigned chapter is chapter 10.
How to solve
MHA 516 UoPX Cultural Differences Summary
Nursing Assignment Help
Introduction:
Understanding cultural differences is crucial in the delivery of healthcare to diverse populations, especially those who have immigrated to the United States from various parts of the world. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down is a book that provides insights into the challenges healthcare professionals face when providing care to the Hmong community in California. In this assignment, we focus on Chapter 10 and identify historical events and cultural practices that contribute to disparities between U.S. healthcare and the Hmong population.
Answer:
Chapter 10 of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down discusses the history and cultural practices of the Hmong community. The chapter sheds light on the impact of historical events on their healthcare experiences. One significant historical event mentioned is the Hmong’s involvement in the Vietnam War as allies to the United States. Many Hmong people served alongside American troops, aiding in combat and rescuing downed pilots. However, when the war ended, the Hmong faced persecution and were forced to flee their homeland.
These historical events have resulted in the Hmong population in California experiencing disparities in healthcare compared to the rest of the U.S. population. The trauma and displacement the Hmong people faced during the war and their subsequent migration to the United States have left lasting effects on their health. These experiences have contributed to higher rates of mental health disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, among the Hmong community.
Additionally, cultural practices within the Hmong community also play a role in creating disparities in healthcare. The Hmong have their own traditional healing practices, rooted in spiritual beliefs, herbal remedies, and rituals. These practices often differ from the Western medical approach prevalent in the U.S. healthcare system. The cultural divide and lack of understanding between healthcare providers and the Hmong community can lead to miscommunication, mistrust, and a lack of appropriate healthcare access and utilization.
In conclusion, Chapter 10 of The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down highlights the historical events and cultural practices that contribute to disparities between U.S. healthcare and the Hmong population in California. Understanding these differences is essential for healthcare professionals to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate care to the Hmong community. By acknowledging their history and cultural practices, healthcare providers can bridge the gap and ensure equitable healthcare delivery.
