# Health Practices and Influences on Hypertension Treatment in Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese American Populations
## Introduction
Understanding the cultural nuances that influence health practices is essential for providing effective care, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. This discussion explores specific health and illness practices among Chinese-American clients that may complicate hypertension treatment, the locus-of-control variables influencing Filipino American health-seeking behavior, and the significance of folk medicine among Vietnamese Americans.
## Health and Illness Practices in Chinese-American Clients
Chinese-American clients often engage in specific health practices that may impact the management of hypertension. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes a holistic approach, which may lead individuals to prefer herbal remedies over conventional medications. For instance, many Chinese-Americans may rely on herbal treatments such as ginseng or licorice root, believing these to be effective for managing blood pressure (Zhang et al., 2020). This reliance on herbal remedies can create challenges in medication adherence, as patients might not disclose these practices to their healthcare providers, leading to potential drug interactions or ineffective management of hypertension.
Additionally, dietary practices within the Chinese culture often include high sodium foods, such as soy sauce and preserved vegetables, which can exacerbate hypertension (Li et al., 2019). Despite being aware of their condition, patients may prioritize traditional dietary habits over recommended dietary modifications, complicating treatment efforts.
Moreover, the cultural stigma surrounding mental health and chronic illness may deter individuals from seeking regular medical follow-ups or fully adhering to prescribed treatment plans (Zhang et al., 2020). This reluctance to engage with healthcare systems can significantly impact hypertension management and overall health outcomes.
## Locus-of-Control in Filipino Americans
Filipino Americans often exhibit a unique locus-of-control variable that significantly influences their health-seeking behavior. Many individuals from this community may possess an **external locus of control**, believing that health outcomes are largely determined by external factors, such as fate, divine intervention, or the healthcare system (Mata et al., 2021). This belief can lead to a passive approach toward health management, where individuals might rely heavily on healthcare professionals without taking personal responsibility for their health.
This external locus can influence how Filipino Americans respond to health education or interventions. For example, if they believe their health is in the hands of their doctors or determined by external circumstances, they may be less motivated to engage in lifestyle changes necessary for managing conditions like hypertension.
## Importance of Folk Medicine and Folk Healers for Vietnamese Americans
Folk medicine plays a crucial role in the health practices of Vietnamese Americans, often serving as a complement to conventional medical treatments. Many Vietnamese Americans may turn to **folk healers** or traditional practitioners, known as **”thầy thuốc,”** for health issues, including chronic conditions like hypertension. These healers often provide a range of treatments, from herbal remedies to acupuncture, which are deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture (Le & Wong, 2020).
The significance of folk medicine lies in its cultural relevance and acceptance within the community. Folk healers are often seen as more trustworthy figures than conventional medical practitioners, especially when there is a historical mistrust of Western medicine due to past experiences or cultural differences (Le & Wong, 2020). This reliance on folk medicine can lead to delays in seeking appropriate medical care or adherence to prescribed treatments, creating barriers to effective hypertension management.
## Conclusion
Understanding the health practices and cultural influences among Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese American populations is vital for addressing hypertension effectively. For Chinese-Americans, the reliance on herbal remedies and traditional dietary practices can complicate treatment adherence. Filipino Americans’ external locus of control can influence their health-seeking behaviors, leading to passive engagement in their health management. Lastly, the reliance on folk medicine and healers among Vietnamese Americans can create significant barriers to effective treatment adherence. Culturally tailored interventions are essential for improving health outcomes in these populations.
### References
Le, Q. & Wong, E. (2020). Folk healing practices among Vietnamese Americans: Implications for health care. *Journal of Transcultural Nursing*, 31(2), 135-143.
Li, C., Wang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2019). Dietary sodium intake and its impact on hypertension among Chinese populations: A review. *Journal of Hypertension*, 37(3), 471-482.
Mata, S. S., Batalha, M. S., & Ocampo, R. (2021). Locus of control and health-seeking behaviors in Filipino Americans. *American Journal of Public Health*, 111(5), 842-848.
Zhang, Y., Zhang, Z., & Liu, X. (2020). Traditional Chinese medicine and its implications for hypertension treatment. *Integrative Medicine Research*, 9(1), 37-44.
After studying Module 3: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following:
- Describe health and illness practices that may augment problems associated with the treatment of hypertension for Chinese-American clients.
- Describe the locus-of-control variable that some Filipino Americans have that may influence health-seeking behavior.
- 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.
- You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response.)
- 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).
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