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Health Status
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Many health concerns are specific to a particular culture
or ethnic group, and this may be a result of gene pools, religious customs and beliefs,
nutrition and lifestyle, of members of that group, or their experiences of war and life in
refugee camps.
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The benefits of educating staff on the health status and medical patterns
of people from different cultures will likely pay off in patient satisfaction. Since many
refugees and immigrants have painful pasts it is important for healthcare providers to be
mindful of this when asking about personal histories. Too often, good intentions may be
misconstrued by the patient as intrusive and/or insensitive.
Examples of Issues Pertaining to Medical Patterns and Health
Status:
 | Experiences of War : Some patients, particularly
refugees may have developed health ailments related to experiences of war, such as
orthopedic conditions, or may be suffering from extreme cases of impoverishment. If a
healthcare provider understands some of the circumstances in a refugee patient's native
country, he/she may be better able to diagnose that patient's condition or illness and
administer more effective treatment.
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| Smoking: Rates of smokers tend to vary from culture to culture. In
Russia, over 70 percent of men and more than 30 percent of women smoke (Quinn-Judge). Many
Latinos, on the other hand, seem to be aware of the detrimental effects of secondhand
smoke, and therefore may not permit others to smoke in their homes (Russell 170). |
| Iron Deficiencies: The eating patterns of many immigrants change
dramatically after their arrival in the United States. Some patients, particularly women
and children, may not be ingesting enough iron in their diets, consequently their health
may suffer. It is helpful to patients when healthcare providers take the time to explain
ways to eat a more balanced diet which would help raise bring their iron levels. |
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