How to solve an aquifer case on the cultural influence of hypertension

How to solve an aquifer case on the cultural influence of hypertension

Introduction: Cultural influence is the familial, historical, geographical, and/or personal perceptions/factors that can affect assessment and intervention processes. In health care, these are factors that influence the healthcare process from admission, management of conditions, discharge to follow-ups (Long et al., 2022). The purpose of this paper is to discuss how culture influences the healthcare process and management of conditions.

Effect of Culture on Management of Hypertension and Dyslipidemias

The first cultural perception is lack of control; these are negative connotations on medication use. There are statements linked to medication use and they show individuals feel debilitated by their conditions and mode of treatment. Studies indicate some patients stop using medication and address their health conditions through dietary modification and exercise, while others temporarily stop the medication when they feel better (Long et al., 2022). Weakness after relapse might strengthen the belief hypertension and dyslipidemias are linked to weakness, further impacting negative health behaviors (Long et al., 2022). Hypertension and dyslipidemias require extensive and long use of medication, for its success, there is a need to address this issue.

Secondly, perception of the effects of medications influences managing hypertension and dyslipidemia. Studies indicate individuals refused to take medication for hypertension and dyslipidemias due to concern that it will lower their sexual drive (Long et al., 2022). This is a false belief, which should be addressed to effectively manage hypertension and dyslipidemias.

Thirdly, perceptions of health and illness are influenced by many historical, social, and political factors, which affect facets of lives, for example, disease management (Long et al., 2022). Studies regarding beliefs about health and illness indicate that whites show increased concern over health risks and have more trust in technology, compared to blacks. The poor health-seeking behavior and concern over health risks pose a challenge in managing terminal illnesses like hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Acts for patients with different cultures

The first step is providing culturally competent care. Health workers should be aware of patients’ cultures before and when providing care (Staff, 2022). I would know patients’ expectations together with their needs. Also, I would encourage sharing awareness with honesty and positivity.

Secondly, I would avoid making assumptions by asking patients to clarify things, be willing to listen, and learn cultural differences (Staff, 2022). Also, I would build trust and rapport, it involves using a translator and maintaining eye contact when communicating.

Thirdly, I can ask the patients to repeat back what I told them in their language. With the help of a translator, it will help to determine how they would have understood and need to change in case of misunderstanding or miscommunication (Staff, 2022). Additionally, I will practice active listening to gather all the details the patient is willing to reveal or express.

Implicit Bias

Implicit biases are stereotypes that affect individual understanding, actions, and decisions over something or somebody in an unconscious manner (FitzGerald & Hurst, 2022). It can lead to a negative evaluation of a person or a scenario, for example, the Characterization of individuals using gender and race.

How to avoid implicit bias in healthcare

Firstly, implicit biases are the major cause of disparities in healthcare. To eliminate or minimize health disparities, health workers are required to address implicit biases. Health professionals should take measures to raise awareness of negative effects holding implicit biases to patients’ characteristics, for example, hydrocephalous to treating patients equally (FitzGerald & Hurst, 2022). using more uniform methods in research to enable better communication and comparison is essential in eliminating implicit biases.

Secondly, health workers should recognize stereotypes and consciously adjust their responses (FitzGerald & Hurst, 2022). Also, they should learn about their patient’s cultures and see them as unique individuals. Furthermore, to fully mitigate implicit bias, they should identify the circumstances that magnify stereotyping and work to avoid those situations.

Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are the factors or conditions where individuals are working, living, born, growing, and age (Artiga & Hinton, 2022). They include access to health, support system, physical surrounding, socioeconomic status, level of education, etc.

Patient’s cultural and socio-economic background

The patient’s name is Susan and was medically declared to have dyslipidemia. Susan has never smoked, she drinks alcohol rarely, does not use recreational drugs, and has been monogamous in a married relationship for many years. She has two grown children and works as a secretary. She does not exercise regularly. Her dietary history was not detailed but she did admit to eating “quite a bit of fast food. “Additionally, her father died of a heart attack at age 57. Mother is alive and in relatively good health. One sister has “adult-type diabetes.” Furthermore, she has a negative attitude towards oral medication.

Social health Determinants that affect patient and management of her condition

Susan has two grown children and works and works as a secretary. In most instances, secretaries are paid less to cater for their medical insurance covers and family support. Economic stability is essential in accessing better lifestyle choices, food security, and stable housing, which is important in managing chronic illness and emergencies (Healthy People, 2022). If Susan is not economically stable, it will impact negatively her health.

Genetics is another social determinant, which can influence the management of terminal or chronic illness (Sherrell, 2022). Susan has a familial history of chronic illness. Her father heart attack at the age of 57, while her sister has “adult-type diabetes”. This indicates she is genetically predisposed to chronic illness, which will affect the management of her condition because they are linked.

Thirdly, attitude towards medication and course of treatment affects the overall management of conditions (Sherrell, 2022). Susan admitted to haven’t started to take her medication because she hates taking oral pills. Dyslipidemia requires a long time adherence to medication, which are always oral pills. The negative attitude towards taking oral dyslipidemia medications will have a negative influence on its management.

Fourthly, insufficient physical activities poor lifestyle contributes to dyslipidemia (Sherrell, 2022). Susan reported that she rarely does physical exercise and sometimes consumes first foods. These are the social factors that aggravate dyslipidemia and will negatively influence the management of her condition.

Response to Excess Alcohol Drinking

Firstly, I will appreciate the old lady for coming out to seek help for her problem. Also, I will emphasize the importance of acceptance in managing her condition. I will tell her the problem is reversible if she follows the set interventions for alcohol addiction and misuse. Additionally, I will listen to her without Judging, ask for her goals and teach her on possible consequences of chronic alcoholism both physically, socially, and economically (Thompson, 2022).

Secondly, I will educate her on the possible measures to manage alcoholism. This includes a gradual reduction of alcohol intake and possible admission if she can experience delirium, removal of alcohol and alcohol-associated drinks, and avoiding places where she can access alcohol and people she is used to drink with (Thompson, 2022).

Thirdly, I will encourage her to consider rehabilitation if her case won’t be manageable at an outpatient facility for further monitoring and management. In case she asks about the possible treatment and medication for chronic alcoholism, I will recommend disulfiram, naltrexone, or acamprosate (Williams, 2022). They are both effective in managing chronic alcoholism but it has tolerable adverse side effects.

References

Artiga, S., & Hinton, E. (2022). Beyond Health Care: The Role of Social Determinants in Promoting Health and Health Equity. KFF. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/beyond-health-care-the-role-of-social-determinants-in-promoting-health-and-health-equity/#:~:text=Determinants%20of%20Health%3F-,Social%20determinants%20of%20health%20are%20the%20conditions%20in%20which%20people,health%20care%20(Figure%201).

FitzGerald, C., & Hurst, S. (2022). Implicit bias in healthcare professionals: a systematic review. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5333436/

HealthyPeople. (2022). Determinants of Health | Healthy People 2020. Healthypeople.gov. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/about/foundation-health-measures/Determinants-of-Health.

Long, E., Ponder, M., & Bernard, S. (2022). Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs related to hypertension and hyperlipidemia self-management among African-American men living in the southeastern United States. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5400720/

Sherrell, Z. (2022). Social determinants of health: Definition, influence, outcomes. Medicalnewstoday.com. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/social-determinants-of-health#economic-stability.

Staff. (2022). Seven Steps to Become a More Culturally Sensitive Nurse | EveryNurse.org. EveryNurse.org. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from https://everynurse.org/7-steps-culturally-sensitive-nurse/.

Thompson, W. (2022). Alcoholism Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations, Diet. Emedicine.medscape.com. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/285913-treatment.

Williams, S. (2022). Medications for Treating Alcohol Dependence. Aafp.org. Retrieved 9 March 2022, from https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/1101/p1775.html.

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