PU505 - Health Behavior Theory

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Introduction
Diversity focuses on understanding the uniqueness of each and acknowledging our differences. It
is broad in that it focuses on race, gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
religious beliefs, physical abilities, political beliefs, and age. Multiculturalism is the
representation to the needs and contributions of all different cultural groups in the society by
giving equal attention. It also involves beliefs and behaviors that respect and recognize the
presence of all groups in society (Falender, Shafranske & Falicov, 2014).
When it comes to health practice, many health facilities encounter conditions of cognitive
complexity, time pressure and cost-containment demand processes that lead to poor care when it
comes to the needs of minority groups (Ferdman, 2017). They suffer barriers of culture, language
communication, and geographical location when accessing care, unlike the whites. Equality in
health provision is not natural but requires a determined effort that is consistent to improve.
Diversity and multiculturalism agree to the idea that each person can make contributions that are
unique and positive to the society irrespective of their differences (Hartmann, 2015). When it
comes to health disparities, racism and race-based maltreatments are the core directives. It is
essential to acknowledge and understand the effects of historical, cultural, and socio-economic
aspects on the health of minority groups. Public health professionals should consider aligning
their work holistically by respecting and supporting the ways of the people to achieve their
desired health outcomes (Truong, Paradies & Priest, 2014).
There is a need for a balanced health system in health promotion, early detection of illnesses and
prevention and access that is universal. This requires collective effort where all people are
included (Truong, Paradies & Priest, 2014). Diversity is essential in that it defines our
environment. Getting to know people from different races, their life history, strengths and
weaknesses and what makes them helps in eliminating health disparities (Napier, et al, 2014). In
public health practice and research, there is a need for diverse health professionals to achieve the
goal of reducing health disparities. The U.S has the greatest multicultural makeup, and the
number will continue to grow as more people seek better lives there. This poses challenges
especially for medical professionals who are required to relate with patients at a personal level
(Yoder-Wise, 2014). They need qualities of understanding, acceptance of patient’s values,
compassion, behaviors, and sensitivity. To meet social, cultural and linguistic requirements of
the patients' health professionals require cultural competence (Ruth Grant Kalischuk RN, 2014).
Cultural competence is essential in that it benefits the health providers and health organizations
(Betancourt, et al, 2016). The benefits are respect between the professionals and patients,
promotion of trust and responsibility towards the patient while in turn be empowered. When
patients are heard and understood by their health providers, they participate in preventive care
towards their health (Lecca, et al, 2014).