Culture and Health Behaviors

Culture describes patterns of beliefs and behaviors of groups organized by any number of categories such as age, family structure, geographic location, ethnicity, etc. An individual's culture has an impact on how he or she responds to perceived symptoms and illnesses.

Part One

Read the following case studies.

Case 1: José

Both of 6-year-old José's parents work at a high-rise hotel in New York City. José's grandparents take care of him while his parents are at work. The grandparents feel that he needs to eat healthy to grow up like his papa. José is given candy and soda in addition to regular meals at their house. Both sets of grandparents, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins, live within walking distance. 

Three months ago, José was diagnosed with Type I diabetes. José's family has a meter to monitor his blood glucose, but everyone hates to stick his finger so many times in one day. The dosages of insulin are written on a sheet that is taped to the refrigerator, so the family knows when to administer a shot based on the meter reading. José has had two hospitalizations for high and low blood sugar readings. His relatives mostly speak Spanish, and no one really understands José's new disease of high sugar. The family is scheduled to attend a special class at the hospital, taught in Spanish by a pediatric diabetic educator.

Case 2: Raymond

Raymond is a 75-year-old gentleman of Polish-Bohemian descent. Raymond lives with Carol, his wife of 55 years. They have no children. Raymond was forced into early retirement at age 64 because the welding company he worked for went out of business. Raymond spends most of his time sitting in his comfortably padded armchair, watching TV. He also enjoys tinkering in his garage and going to eat at a local Polish restaurant, where he always orders Polish sausage, sauerkraut, and desserts galore. His doctor has provided copies of low-salt diets for several years to help him stay healthy.

Over the past six months, Raymond has experienced swelling accompanied with weeping of fluid in his legs. He has poor cardiac function, and his kidneys are starting to fail. At his most recent visit scheduled specifically to refill his medications, Raymond was told that he would most likely require dialysis within a year. He is becoming increasingly short of breath and is unable to sleep lying down. Last week, a neighbor brought over some flowers and overheard this conversation:

Raymond (slouched in his chair): Carol, will you get me some cheese crackers?
Carol: Are you sure you should have those? They are full of salt and not good for you. Your legs will hold more water.
Raymond (raising his voice): I don't care!!!! Bring them here! I will just take another water pill.
Carol: All right.

Case 3: Aliyah

Mohammed and his wife Aliyah have been living in the U.S. for the past year, while Mohammad finishes his post-graduate education. They hope to go home to Saudi Arabia after graduation. Aliyah is a housewife and takes care of the couple's three small children. Over the past several months, Aliyah has had persistent abdominal pain. She has refused to go to the male doctor who has been assigned to her through Mohammad's student health care plan. However, the pain is becoming more frequent and needs evaluation. Mohammed is frustrated with his wife for not going to the doctor, and at the same time, is terribly worried that something may be seriously wrong with her.

Part Two

Select any two of the three cases presented and answer the following questions:

First Case: Enter Selected Case Name

1. Is there a problem with either seeking medical attention or adherence to medical advice, or both? Explain your answer here, in complete sentences.

2. Identify and describe the impact of psychosocial and/or sociocultural factors that may be contributing to the behavior in each case. Explain your answer here, in complete sentences.

Second Case: Enter Selected Case Name

3. Is there a problem with either seeking medical attention or adherence to medical advice, or both? Explain your answer. Explain your answer here, in complete sentences.

4. Identify and describe the impact of psychosocial and/or sociocultural factors that may be contributing to the behavior in each case. Explain your answer here, in complete sentences.