Caring for Chinese, Filipino, & Vietnamese Populations
After studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Resources , discuss the following:
A. Describe health and illness practices that may augment problems associated with the treatment of hypertension for Chinese-American clients.
B. Describe the locus-of-control variable that some Filipino Americans have that may influence health-seeking behavior.
C. Describe the importance of folk medicine and folk healers to Vietnamese Americans.
Submission Instructions:
· Your initial post should be at least 500 words, formatted, and cited in current APA style with support from at least 2 academic sources. Your initial post is worth 8 points.
· Incorporate a minimum of 2 current (published within the last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work. Journal articles should be referenced according to the current APA style (the online library has an abbreviated version of the APA Manual).
### Caring for Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese Populations
Understanding the cultural nuances and health practices of various ethnic groups is crucial in providing effective and culturally competent care. This is particularly important in managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence health behaviors and treatment adherence. In this discussion, we will explore the health and illness practices among Chinese-American clients that may impact hypertension treatment, the locus-of-control variable influencing health-seeking behavior among Filipino Americans, and the importance of folk medicine and folk healers to Vietnamese Americans.
#### A. Health and Illness Practices among Chinese-American Clients and Hypertension
Chinese-American clients often incorporate traditional health beliefs and practices alongside Western medicine, which can impact hypertension management. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a prevalent approach, emphasizing the balance of yin and yang, and the flow of qi (vital energy) through the body. Hypertension may be viewed as a result of imbalances or blockages in these energy flows, leading patients to seek treatments such as acupuncture, herbal remedies, and dietary modifications (Chen et al., 2018).
One significant practice is the use of herbal medicine, which may include herbs like ginseng, hawthorn, and garlic, believed to lower blood pressure. While these remedies can be beneficial, they may also interact with prescribed antihypertensive medications, potentially causing adverse effects or reducing efficacy (Xie et al., 2017). Therefore, it is crucial for healthcare providers to inquire about the use of herbal supplements and educate patients on possible interactions.
Additionally, dietary practices rooted in TCM, such as avoiding “hot” foods (e.g., fried and spicy foods) and favoring “cooling” foods (e.g., green leafy vegetables and fruits), may influence dietary compliance with Western dietary recommendations for hypertension (Chen et al., 2018). Understanding and integrating these dietary preferences can enhance patient adherence to treatment plans.
#### B. Locus-of-Control Variable in Filipino Americans
The locus of control, which refers to individuals’ belief about the extent to which they can control events affecting them, plays a vital role in health-seeking behavior among Filipino Americans. Many Filipino Americans may exhibit an external locus of control, attributing health outcomes to external factors such as fate, divine will, or the actions of healthcare providers (Kim-Godwin & Clarke, 2018). This belief can influence their approach to health care, making them more likely to rely on spiritual practices, prayer, and the support of family and community rather than seeking medical intervention promptly.
This external locus of control may lead to delays in seeking medical care and adhering to treatment regimens, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Healthcare providers should be aware of these beliefs and incorporate culturally sensitive communication strategies, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and the role of the patient in managing their health (Kim-Godwin & Clarke, 2018). Encouraging a collaborative approach that respects patients’ spiritual beliefs while educating them on their active role in health management can improve health outcomes.
#### C. Importance of Folk Medicine and Folk Healers to Vietnamese Americans
Folk medicine and folk healers hold significant importance for many Vietnamese Americans, deeply rooted in their cultural and historical context. Traditional Vietnamese medicine (TVM) often incorporates elements of TCM and other indigenous practices, focusing on the balance of hot and cold, and the harmony of the body’s internal environment (Nguyen et al., 2019). Folk healers, known as “thầy lang,” play a crucial role in providing health care, particularly within immigrant communities with limited access to conventional medical services.
Folk medicine practices may include the use of herbal remedies, acupuncture, cupping, and coin rubbing (known as “cạo gió”) to treat various ailments, including hypertension (Nguyen et al., 2019). These practices are not only seen as therapeutic but also as ways to restore balance and prevent illness. However, similar to Chinese herbal medicine, these treatments may interact with prescribed medications, posing risks if not appropriately managed.
Understanding the importance of folk medicine in Vietnamese culture is essential for healthcare providers. Building trust with patients by showing respect for their beliefs and practices, while providing education on the potential risks and benefits of combining traditional and Western treatments, can enhance adherence to medical advice and improve health outcomes (Nguyen et al., 2019).
### Conclusion
Cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence health behaviors and treatment adherence among Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese Americans. By recognizing and integrating these cultural nuances into patient care, healthcare providers can offer more effective and culturally competent care, ultimately improving health outcomes for these populations.
### References
Chen, W., Ling, L., & Renzaho, A. M. (2018). Traditional Chinese medicine and hypertension. *Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine*, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7627195
Kim-Godwin, Y. S., & Clarke, P. N. (2018). Filipino health care practices and beliefs. *Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 11*(2), 134-139. https://doi.org/10.1177/104365960001100207
Nguyen, T. T., Pham, T. Q., & Vu, H. T. (2019). Folk medicine and the role of folk healers in Vietnamese health care. *Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 15*(1), 27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-019-0305-1
Xie, W., Li, X., & Li, T. (2017). Herbal medicines for hypertension. *Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017*(11), CD009217. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009217.pub2
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