Cultural features and health: take into account 50 percent of influence

Cultural features and health: take into account 50 percent of influence

I. Introduction: Culture as a defining health factor

Human health, being a complex and multifaceted concept, is determined not only by genetic predispositions or access to medical services. A significant role is played by culture – a set of separated values, beliefs, norms, traditions and practices that form the worldview and behavior of an individual and society. It is generally accepted that culture has a deep and often underestimated effect on health, affecting all aspects of life, from nutrition and physical activity to attitude to diseases and methods of their treatment. Assessment of this influence as 50% is rather a starting point for the discussion, designed to emphasize the significance, and not the absolute figure. A real percentage can vary depending on the specific context and the diseases under consideration.

II. Cultural determinants of health: a wide spectrum of impact

Cultural determinants of health cover a wide range of factors affecting physical, mental and social well -being. Consider the most significant of them:

A. Food traditions and habits:

The culture determines which products are considered acceptable, nutritious and even “healing”. Methods of cooking, the size of portions, the time of eating, the frequency of consumption of certain products – all this is formed under the influence of cultural norms.

• Examples: The Mediterranean diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, fish and olive oil, is associated with a low risk of cardiovascular disease. Traditional Asian diets, characterized by high rice and vegetable consumption, can contribute to a healthy weight. On the other hand, the Western diet, rich in saturated fats, sugar and treated products, is associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
• Cultural holidays and rituals: Many cultural holidays are associated with a plentiful feast and use of certain products that may not always be healthy. For example, New Year’s holidays in many cultures are accompanied by the use of fatty and sweet foods, which can lead to a temporary deterioration in health.
• Religious restrictions: Various religions impose restrictions on the use of certain products. For example, Islam prohibits the use of pork, and Hinduism – beef. These restrictions can affect food habits and general health.
• Social meaning of food: In some cultures, food has important social significance and is a way of manifesting hospitality and strengthening social ties. In such cultures, refusal of food can be considered as an insult, which can lead to overeating and unhealthy food habits.

B. Physical activity and lifestyle:

Culture affects the level of physical activity and a general lifestyle. Traditions, customs and social norms determine which types of physical activity are considered acceptable and desirable.

• Traditional activities: In rural communities where the majority of the population is employed in agriculture, the level of physical activity is usually higher than in cities. Traditional games and dances can also contribute to the maintenance of physical form.
• Gender roles: Cultural ideas about gender roles can limit the participation of women in certain types of physical activity. For example, in some cultures, women are not recommended to play sports or visit public places for physical activity.
• Transport and infrastructure: The availability of public transport and the availability of pedestrian and bicycle paths can affect the level of physical activity. In cities with developed infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, people often walk on foot or go on a bicycle, which helps to improve their health.
• Attitude to rest and leisure: In some cultures, rest and leisure are not considered important, and people prefer to spend free time at work or other useful things. This can lead to a lack of physical activity and an increased risk of diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

C. Attitude to health, diseases and treatment:

Culture forms ideas about health, diseases, their causes and methods of treatment. These ideas affect people’s behavior in relation to health, seeking medical help and compliance with the recommendations of doctors.

• Beliefs about the causes of diseases: In some cultures, the disease is explained by supernatural forces, evil eye or punishment for sins. In such cases, people can turn to traditional healers or religious leaders, and not to doctors.
• Stigma related to diseases: Some diseases, such as mental disorders or HIV/AIDS, can be stigmatized in certain cultures. This can lead to the fact that people are embarrassed to seek medical help or hide their illness from others.
• Trust for medical workers: The level of trust in medical workers may vary depending on the culture. In some cultures, people trust traditional healers more than doctors. Distrust of medical workers can lead to a rejection of vaccination or other preventive measures.
• Representations of pain and suffering: Cultural ideas about pain and suffering can affect how people endure pain and seek anesthesia. In some crops, it is believed that it is necessary to endure pain steadily without showing weaknesses.

D. Social support and communications:

Social support and communications play an important role in maintaining health and well -being. Culture affects how people interact with each other, provide assistance and support.

• Family values: In some cultures, the family plays a central role in human life and is the main source of support and care. Strong family ties can help improve health and reduce stress.
• Social media: The presence of strong social networks, such as friends, colleagues and neighbors, can also have a positive effect on health. Social support can help people cope with stress, improve their mood and increase disease resistance.
• Participation in public organizations: Participation in public organizations, such as religious communities, sports clubs and cultural groups, can help strengthen social ties and improve health.
• Social isolation: Social isolation and loneliness can have a negative effect on health, increasing the risk of depression, cardiovascular diseases and other health problems.

E. The level of education and literacy in health matters:

The level of education and literacy in health matters affect people’s ability to understand information about their health, make reasonable decisions and follow the recommendations of doctors.

• Access to information: People with a high level of education have more opportunities for obtaining health information from various sources, such as books, magazines, Internet and medical workers.
• Understanding medical information: People with a high level of literacy in health matters better understand medical information and can make reasonable decisions about their health.
• Compliance with the recommendations of doctors: People with a high level of literacy in health matters are more likely to comply with the recommendations of doctors and follow the treatment plan.
• Prevention of diseases: People with a high level of literacy in health matters are more aware of preventive measures and are more likely to use them.

F. Access to medical services:

Cultural factors can affect access to medical services, especially for representatives of ethnic minorities and other vulnerable groups of the population.

• Language barrier: The language barrier can complicate communication between patients and medical workers, which can lead to an improper understanding of the diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Cultural differences: Cultural differences between patients and medical workers can lead to misunderstanding and conflicts. For example, patients may not understand medical terminology or have other ideas about the causes of diseases and methods of treatment.
• Discrimination: Representatives of ethnic minorities and other vulnerable population groups may face discrimination in the healthcare system, which can lead to a refusal to provide medical care or low -quality maintenance.
• Lack of insurance coating: The lack of insurance coating can be a serious obstacle to access to medical services, especially for people with a low level of income.

III. Specific examples of the influence of culture on health:

Consider specific examples of the influence of culture on health in various fields:

A. Mental health:

• Cultural ideas about mental disorders: In some cultures, mental disorders are stigmatized and are considered a sign of weakness or madness. This can lead to the fact that people are embarrassed to seek help or hide their illness from others.
• Methods of treatment of mental disorders: Different cultures use various methods of treating mental disorders. For example, in some cultures they prefer to use traditional methods of treatment, such as travoing or acupuncture, while in other cultures – drug treatment or psychotherapy.
• The influence of culture on the symptoms of mental disorders: Culture can affect the symptoms of mental disorders. For example, in some cultures, depression can manifest itself in the form of physical symptoms, such as fatigue or pain in the body, while in other cultures – in the form of emotional symptoms, such as sadness or apathy.
• Cultural risk factors for mental disorders: Some cultural factors can increase the risk of mental disorders. For example, discrimination, poverty and social isolation can contribute to the development of depression and anxiety disorders.

B. Cardiovascular diseases:

• Food habits: Cultural food habits can influence the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. For example, a diet rich in saturated fats, sugar and salt can increase blood cholesterol and blood pressure, increasing the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
• Physical activity: The level of physical activity can also affect the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
• Consumption of tobacco and alcohol: The use of tobacco and alcohol is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Cultural norms and traditions can affect the level of use of tobacco and alcohol.
• Stress level: A high level of stress can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Cultural factors, such as discrimination, poverty and social isolation, can help increase the level of stress.

C. Diabetes:

• Food habits: Cultural food habits can influence the risk of type 2 diabetes. A diet rich in sugar and treated carbohydrates can increase the level of glucose in the blood, increasing the risk of diabetes.
• Physical activity: The level of physical activity can also affect the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, which is the main risk factor for the development of diabetes.
• Genetic predisposition: Some ethnic groups have a higher genetic predisposition to type 2 diabetes. However, a genetic predisposition is not the only factor, and the lifestyle plays an important role in the development of the disease.
• Attitude to health: Attitude to health and prevention of diseases can also affect the risk of type 2 diabetes. People who care about their health and regularly undergo examinations are more likely to detect diabetes at an early stage and take measures to prevent it.

D. Cancer:

• Life: Life, including food habits, physical activity, use of tobacco and alcohol, can influence the risk of cancer. Cultural norms and traditions can affect the choice of lifestyle.
• Access to screening programs: Access to screening programs for early detection of cancer can vary depending on culture and socio-economic status. Early detection of cancer increases the chances of successful treatment.
• Attitude to the treatment of cancer: The attitude to the treatment of cancer can vary depending on the culture. In some cultures, they prefer to use traditional methods of cancer treatment, while in other cultures – modern methods, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
• Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as air and water pollution, can also affect the risk of cancer. Some ethnic groups can be more exposed to harmful environmental factors.

E. Infectious diseases:

• Hygienic practices: Hygienic practices, such as washing hands and cooking, can affect the spread of infectious diseases. Cultural norms and traditions can affect hygiene practices.
• Population density: The population density can affect the spread of infectious diseases. In densely populated areas, infectious diseases spread faster.
• Access to vaccination: Access to vaccination can vary depending on culture and socio-economic status. Vaccination is an effective way to prevent many infectious diseases.
• Attitude to the treatment of infectious diseases: The attitude to the treatment of infectious diseases can vary depending on the culture. In some cultures, they prefer to use traditional methods of treating infectious diseases, while in other cultures – modern methods such as antibiotics.

IV. Accounting for cultural features in healthcare:

Accounting for the cultural characteristics of patients is an important aspect of the provision of quality medical care. This allows medical workers to better understand the needs of patients, establish trusting relationships and develop effective treatment plans.

A. Cultural competence of medical workers:

The cultural competence of medical workers assumes the presence of knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for effective interaction with patients representing various crops.

• Training and advanced training: Medical workers must undergo training and advanced training in the field of cultural competence. This will help them gain knowledge about various cultures, learn to effectively communicate with patients representing different cultures, and overcome cultural barriers.
• The presence of translators and cultural intermediaries: In medical institutions, translators and cultural intermediaries should be available, who will help patients who do not speak the language, communicate with medical workers and understand medical information.
• Using cultural and specific materials: Medical institutions should use cultural and specific materials, such as brochures, posters and videos, which are developed taking into account the cultural characteristics of various groups of the population.
• Respect for cultural traditions and beliefs: Medical workers must respect the cultural traditions and beliefs of patients. For example, they should take into account religious dietary restrictions or preferences of patients in relation to gender compliance of medical workers.

B. Development of cultural and adapted health programs:

Health programs should be developed taking into account the cultural features of the target audience. This increases the effectiveness of programs and helps to improve public health.

• Involving representatives of the target audience in the process of developing programs: Representatives of the target audience should be involved in the process of developing healthcare programs so that their needs and cultural features are taken into account.
• The use of cultural and specific communication methods: Health programs should use cultural and specific communication methods that are effective for the target audience. For example, you can use oral stories, traditional songs or dances to transmit health information.
• Adaptation of programs to local conditions: Health programs should be adapted to local conditions, such as the availability of resources, the level of literacy of the population and cultural norms.
• Assessment of program effectiveness: It is necessary to assess the effectiveness of healthcare programs in order to determine how they meet the needs of the target audience and contribute to the improvement of public health.

C. Overcoming cultural barriers in healthcare:

Overcoming cultural barriers in healthcare is an important task that requires efforts on the part of medical workers, state bodies and public organizations.

• Increasing awareness of cultural differences: It is necessary to increase the knowledge of cultural differences and how they can affect health. This will help reduce prejudices and stereotypes and create a more tolerant and good atmosphere in the healthcare system.
• Development of training programs for medical workers: It is necessary to develop training programs for medical workers who will help them acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for effective interaction with patients representing various crops.
• Support for programs aimed at improving the health of vulnerable populations: It is necessary to support programs aimed at improving the health of vulnerable population groups, such as ethnic minorities, people with low income and people with disabilities.
• Improving legislation and health care policy: It is necessary to improve the legislation and a health policy in order to ensure equal access to medical services for all members of the company, regardless of their cultural affiliation.

V. Cultural changes and health:

Culture is a dynamic and constantly changing system. Cultural changes can have both positive and negative effects on health.

A. Globalization and its effect on health:

Globalization is the process of integrating national economies, cultures and societies through trade, investment, migration and information technology. Globalization can have both positive and negative effects on health.

• Positive influence: Globalization can contribute to the dissemination of health information, improve access to medical technologies and expand opportunities for training and advanced training of medical workers.
• Negative influence: Globalization can lead to the spread of an unhealthy lifestyle, environmental pollution and strengthening inequality in the field of healthcare.

B. Migration and adaptation to the new culture:

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another with the aim of permanent or temporary residence. Migrants can face various problems associated with adaptation to a new culture that can influence their health.

• Language barrier: The language barrier can complicate the communication between migrants and medical workers, which can lead to an incorrect understanding of the diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Cultural shock: Cultural shock is a state of stress and disorientation that occurs in people in a collision with a new culture. Cultural shock can lead to depression, anxiety and other health problems.
• Discrimination: Migrants may come across discrimination in the healthcare system, which can lead to a refusal to provide medical care or poor -quality maintenance.
• Loss of social ties: Migrants can lose social ties with family and friends, which can lead to social isolation and loneliness.

C. Technological progress and its effect on health:

Technological progress has a significant impact on health, both positive and negative.

• Positive influence: The development of new medical technologies, such as vaccines, antibiotics and visualization methods, significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Telemedicine has expanded access to medical care for people living in remote areas. Information technologies allow people to receive health information and monitor their health.
• Negative influence: Dependence on technology, especially on smartphones and social networks, can lead to social isolation, depression and other mental health problems. A sedentary lifestyle associated with the use of technology increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. The spread of false health information on the Internet can lead to improper decisions on the treatment and prevention of diseases.

VI. Studies in the field of culture and health:

Conducting research in the field of culture and health is important for understanding the influence of culture on health and developing effective health care programs.

A. Research methods:

In research in culture and health, various research methods are used, including:

• Quantitative methods: Quantitative methods, such as polls and statistical analysis, allow you to collect data on the health of a large number of people and identify statistical connections between cultural factors and health.
• Quality methods: High-quality methods, such as interviews and focus groups, allow you to get a deeper understanding of cultural ideas about health and diseases.
• Mixed methods: Mixed methods that combine quantitative and qualitative approaches allow you to get the most complete idea of ​​the effect of culture on health.

B. Key research topics:

Key topics of research in culture and health include:

• Influence of culture on health behavior: Studies study how culture affects food habits, physical activity, use of tobacco and alcohol, as well as seeking medical help.
• Cultural risk factors for diseases: Studies identify cultural factors that increase the risk of developing various diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and mental disorders.
• The effectiveness of cultural and adapted health programs: Studies evaluate the effectiveness of healthcare programs developed taking into account the cultural features of the target audience.
• The influence of cultural changes on health: Studies study how globalization, migration and technological progress affect health.

C. Ethical considerations:

When conducting research in the field of culture and health, it is necessary to take into account ethical considerations, such as:

• Informed consent: It is necessary to receive informed consent from the participants in the study, explaining to them the purpose of the study, its methods and potential risks and benefits.
• Confidentiality: It is necessary to ensure the confidentiality of these research participants, protecting their personal information from unauthorized access.
• Respect for cultural values: It is necessary to respect the cultural values ​​and beliefs of the study participants, avoiding actions that can be offensive or humiliating.
• Fair distribution of benefits and risks: It is necessary to ensure a fair distribution of the benefits and risks of the study, avoiding the operation of vulnerable groups of the population.

VII. Future research areas:

In the future, research in culture and health should be aimed at solving the following problems:

• Development of more effective cultural and adapted health programs: It is necessary to develop more effective cultural and adapted health programs that take into account the needs and cultural features of various population groups.
• Studying the influence of social determinants of health: It is necessary to study the influence of social determinants of health, such as poverty, education and housing conditions, on health.
• Development of innovative research methods: It is necessary to develop innovative research methods that will allow you to get a deeper understanding of the influence of culture on health.
• Strengthening cooperation between researchers, medical workers and public organizations: It is necessary to strengthen cooperation between researchers, medical workers and public organizations in order to ensure the effective application of research results in practical activities.

VIII. Conclusion (not included, according to the requirements)

IX. List of literature (not included, according to the requirements)

X. Applications (not included, according to the requirements)