According to the World Health Organization, health is a multi-dimensional concept, which means that it goes beyond mere physical wellbeing (the absence of diseases) and includes social and mental wellbeing as well (Perez, Aunprom-me, Palacio, & Valencia, 2016). It may be critical for understanding the role of cultural factors in delivering care and developing a health promotion system for cultural minorities. Regardless of the fact that Ms. Ramirez moved to the United States 15 years ago, she cannot speak English. For this reason, language would be one of the main cultural factors affecting care for this patient. Besides, a significant role may be played by religion, as she is a devout Catholic. In this case, before having her lab tests done or before any medical and surgical interventions (if needed), Ms. Ramirez would need some time provided for prayer. Besides, she should be allowed to bring some of the religious attributes in the case of having to stay at the hospital if it makes her feel more comfortable in the setting. If the religious needs are met, it would significantly improve the overall effectiveness of care delivered, as it is devoted to the spiritual aspect of health (Perez & Luquis, 2013).
As for the health promotion strategy, language will be an instrumental cultural factor. The stress should be laid on providing health information in Spanish so that Ms. Ramirez obtains all knowledge needed. Besides, according to Cristancho, Peters, and Garces (2014), Hispanic patients find printed materials effective when it comes to sharing health information. Based on the abovementioned, in health promotion strategy for Ms. Rodrigues, printed materials containing all needed information in Spanish would be appropriate and help maximize the benefits of the approach. It is associated with the fact that she would not only understand all information but also access it easily whenever needed.
- Cristancho, S., Peters, K., and Garces, M. (2014). Health information preferences among Hispanics/Latino immigrants in the U.S. rural Midwest. Global Health Promotion, 21(1), 40-49.
- Perez, M. A., & Luquis, R. R. (2013). Cultural competence in health education and health promotion (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
- Perez, M. A., Aunprom-me, S., Palacio, L. M. A., & Valencia, C. (2016). Advancing culturally relevant health promotion and disease prevention: Lessons from the global village. Salud Uninorte, 32(3), vii-xii.
