Respond to two other students. Suggest why you might see things differently (reference), ask a question to probe or clarify, share insight, offer support and further evidencerespond to discussion 1: Andrea DBlacks/African AmericansTypical Social StructuresEdelman, Kuzma, and Mandle (2014) found African Americans to be the second largest minority population, following the Hispanic/Latino population. Unfortunately, “because of the Blacks/African Americans (BAA) history of slavery along with racial discrimination,” there are still some occurrences of segregation, exclusion, and discrimination from others (Understanding Cultural Diversity in Healthcare, 2016). In addition, BAA’s “family structure may be nuclear, extended, or matriarchal. It is not uncommon for kin to include close friends and church members or for women to be head of the household, such as a grandmother or aunt” (Understanding Cultural Diversity in Healthcare, 2016).WorldviewWhile church, religious behavior, spirituality, and prayer play an important role in the BAA community…BAA’s also look to family members, healers, spiritualists, voodoo priests’ or priestess to aid in their overall well-being (Edelman, Kuzma, & Mandle, 2014). This can include anywhere from folk remedies, childcare, rituals, ceremonies, herbs, to assistance with financial, personal, spiritual, and physical problems (Edelman, Kuzma, & Mandle, 2014).Health ConcernsDue to the addition of various external factors along with internal factors, BAA’s life expectancy is shorter when compared to non-Hispanic whites. “The projected life expectancies for BAA’s is 76.1 years whereas non-Hispanic whites are 79.8 years” (Office of Minority Health, 2019). When it comes to specific health concerns, the leading causes of death for BAA’s include “cancer, HIV/AIDS, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, asthma, influenza, pneumonia, and homicide” (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2014).Predominant health beliefs and practicesAs stated before, the BAA community may look to other holistic or spiritual routes to assist with their health issues. “The African American culture has a rich tradition of herbal remedies. They may also believe that their disease is a sign of punishment for sin and look to prayer and guidance with their clergy” (Understanding Cultural Diversity in Healthcare, 2016).Barriers to healthcare in the United StatesThe number one common barrier that interferes with BAA’s achieving optimal health is poverty. “Individuals and families who are below the poverty level or lack adequate resources have limited access to health care services such as prenatal and maternal care, childhood immunizations, dental checkups, well-child care, and a wide range of other health-promoting and preventive services” (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2014). This could also probably well explain why there are high infant mortality and maternal mortality rates. It doesn’t stop there; “Black American children living below the poverty level experience malnutrition, anemia, lead poisoning, and are at higher risk for injury due to unsafe and unhygienic conditions” (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2014).My experienceWorking in vascular surgery, I had many BAA patients come in due to peripheral vascular disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or a combination of those. Upon researching, I came across the statement that “African American males have 8 times the AIDS rate as White males and African American females have 20 times the AIDS rate as White females” (Edelman, Kudzma, & Mandle, 2014). The majority of the time, when we had to alert our team members of HIV/AIDS, ethnicity was mainly BAA’s. I also come across many BAA’s that share with me their struggle to manage their diabetes with either a fixed income at home or being a single mom raising a family.Respond to Discussion 2:Alex C.Typical social structuresMy great- grandfather was born in Canton, China and migrated to the United States in 1911. Although I did not get the opportunity to meet him before he passed away, he paved the way for my family to experience the American dream. Today, my family is a wonderful blend of different cultures with a deep root of Chinese traditional values. According to Edelman and Kudzma (2018) “the oldest male family member is often the decision maker and spokesperson” (p. 31). This statement resonates with me because my grandpa Chong is 75 years old and he is evidently our spokesperson. In fact, he just arranged and reserved a family dinner for all of us this past Saturday evening. Our family meets together on every holiday, birthday and social event. “Older family members are usually respected and have authority that is often unquestioned” (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p. 31).Worldview“Asian Americans represent people from many different countries, so their origins, cultures, lifestyles, and religions are diverse” (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p. 29). Asian Americans include people from China, Philippines, India, Vietnam, Korea, Japan and Pacific Islanders. Religions include Christianity, Buddhists, Protestants and Hindus. According to the Pew Research Center (2012) strong majorities of Buddhists and Hindus embrace the idea of many religions leading to eternal life and disregard the idea that there is only one true religion. Asian Americans believe in ancestral spirits, the spiritual practice of yoga, astrology and a spiritual energy in physical things such as mountains or trees (Pew Research Center, 2012).Health Concerns“Cancer, heart disease, stroke, unintentional injuries and diabetes are the top five leading causes of death among Asian Americans” (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2010). Asian Americans also have a higher risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, smoking, tuberculosis and liver disease (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p.30). Both male and female Asian Americans are at risk for developing stomach cancer. “The rates of psychological distress in… Asian Americans are similar to those in the general US population; however [Asian Americans] have a tendency to be the least likely to seek mental health services” (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p. 30). Asian cultures strongly believe in respect for their elders and that their individual behavior reflects on their family. Consequently, Asian Americans may be reluctant to discuss their symptoms, reluctant to disagree with their health care providers regarding methods of treatment, but ultimately reluctant to seek help in the first place.Predominant health beliefs and practicesAccording to Edelman and Kudzma (2018) “Asian folk medicine and philosophies have a strong Chinese influence as a result of early Chines migration throughout Asia” (p.31). ‘Taoism was the philosophical and theoretical foundation of Chinese medicine” (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p. 31). Taoism centers around the idea of Yin and Yang, balancing harmonies between the two forces of energy. Acupuncture, holistic medicine, meditation, herbalism and martial arts are some of their common traditional health practices (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p. 31). My great grandpa Chong was well known in his neighborhood for providing herbal remedies for healing purposes.Barriers to healthcare in the United StatesEdelman and Kudzma (2018) mention several health concerns for the Asian American population resulting from language and cultural barriers including infrequent medical visits, lack of health insurance and even fear of transportation. An alarming concern is the “taboo topic of sexual issues… identified as one of the key barriers that makes it difficult for healthcare providers to approach Chinese American youths for HIV/AIDS prevention” (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p. 31). “Usually, the interests and honor of the family are more important than those of individual family members” (Edelman & Kudzma, 2018, p. 31). This is a cultural barrier to healthcare because Asian Americans are reluctant to seek treatment.ExperienceWorking on the telemetry floor, I was honored to take care of an elderly Asian woman after her heart surgery. She found comfort in knowing about my cultural background and how it resembled hers. She spoke with a light voice and smiled often. Evidently, English was not her primary language and she frequently used body language to communicate. I allowed her to hold my hand as she attempted to express her concerns and I listened intently to her words. She ate her meals in small portions and she had herbal teas from her home. Her family would visit and express so much gratitude for taking care of their family member. The information in our textbook is consistent with Asian American culture.Write a response to each discussion in 1st and 2nd person conversationExample:Brianna! I was very interested to read your post over the homeless population, as it is a population I find very interesting and love to learn more about. In my nursing experience I have cared for several homeless patients. I can definitely agree with your statement about this population believing the world is out to get them, as I personally dealt with a patient who was very rude, disrespectful, and hateful to me when all I was trying to do was take care of him and do what was best for him. When reading about this population I found it very interesting to see that “poor health is both an effect and a cause of homelessness” (Edelman & Kudzma, p. 37, 2018). While that is almost obvious after reading, it is not something you really put together until it’s presented to you in that way.Edelman, C.L., & Kudzma, E.C. (2018). Health promotion: Throughout the life span (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.USE 1 SOURCE FOR EACH RESPONSE
