Identify at least one sociocultural factor from Tina Jones. Identify one health promotion need and discuss at least one strategy for cultural competency that you could apply during a health promotion teaching activity.

Peer 1 Response:

Shannon Bowman posted

Upon assessing Ms. Jones, it was learned that she is an African American female diagnosed with asthma and type 2 diabetes. Ms. Jones admits to being non-compliant with her diabetes medication and checking her blood sugar. Ms. Jones states she did not understand what the numbers mean when she did check her blood sugar, therefore indicating a lack of knowledge regarding her condition. Ms. Jones admits to a family history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. “In the U.S., black adults are nearly twice as likely as white adults to develop type 2 diabetes. This racial disparity has been rising over the last 30 years” (Hicklin, 2018). Ms. Jones is employed and also pursuing a college degree, therefore her educational level do not seem to be a barrier in understanding her health conditions. Ms. Jones explained her faith helped her cope with the death of her father, therefore her spiritual beliefs may be of assistance to her in improving her health. Another resource to utilize for Ms. Jones is her peers. She mentions spending time with her friends, therefore suggesting activities she can do with them to improve her health might be beneficial.

Ms. Jones needs to be educated regarding diabetes. It is vital that she understand exactly what type 2 diabetes is and how non-compliance with treatment can affect her in the future. Ms. Jones should learn how to properly self-monitor her blood sugar levels and be able to explain, through teach back, what blood sugar readings are considered normal and what readings are abnormal. Ms. Jones should also be able to explain via teach back what to do for abnormal readings. Ms. Jones needs to be guided to develop a diabetic-friendly eating plan. “Clinicians, diabetes educators, and others who counsel African-American women with type 2 diabetes must recognize that dietary practices are tied to ideologies about African-American womanhood, intimate and community relationships, and ethnic identity” (Liburd, 2003). Ms. Jones will have to be supported in her lifestyle changes, which should not be difficult given she has identified a strong support system in her family, friends, and her faith. “If rituals are in fact created, and not natural, the eating ritual can be re-created as a site for the promotion of health – of the mind, body, and soul- of African-American women with type 2 diabetes”(Liburd, 2003). Ms. Jones needs to develop a diet that includes healthy carbohydrates and fiber-rich foods. “Focus on healthy carbohydrates, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, such as beans and peas, and low-fat dairy products, such as milk and cheese.” (Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan, 2017) With the help of her healthcare team and her strong support system, Ms. Jones will be able to transition to a better, healthier diet and may even become the example her community needs to help others make their own changes.

References:

Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan. (2017). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-diet/art-20044295

Hicklin, T. (2018). Factors contributing to higher incidence of diabetes for black Americans.

Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/factors-contributing-higher-incidence-diabetes-black-americans

Liburd, L. C. (2003). Food, identity, and African-American women with type 2 diabetes: An

anthropological perspective. Retrieved from https://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/16/3/160

Peer Response 2:

Samara Vermilya

While initially assessing Ms. Jones, one sociocultural factor that is collected during the interview is that she is an African American woman, with a long familial history of health conditions such as high blood pressure, type II diabetes and high cholesterol. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Minority Health, African Americans have a 60% higher rate of having diabetes and were twice as likely to die from diabetes than a Caucasian (Office of Minority Health, 2019). After the initial intake interview, it is also gathered that Tina Jones was diagnosed with Type II diabetes at a young age and currently is not following doctor recommendations of the use of metformin or following a diet plan. Although Ms. Jones is young, she has many poor habits such as a poor and inconsistent diet and being non compliant with medications.

One health promotion need for Tina Jones, is the education on having a balanced daily exercise plan to help control diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. Maintaining both a balanced diet and increasing daily activity can decrease chances of health conditions or mortality exponentially. According to the World Health Organization, increasing physical activity and incorporating a balanced diet can decrease the chances of type II diabetes developing into more health comorbidities such as heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and an increase in infections (World Health Organization, 2014).

A cultural competency that can be applied during a health promotion teaching strategy for Ms. Jones, could be to provide information based on her education level and background. Educating Ms. Jones on foods that are within her cultural background, but also educating her on the nutritional facts and warning signs for high sodium, carbohydrates, sugars and so on. According to a study done in Georgetown University, using cultural specific attitudes and values can make a huge difference in the way a patient understands and incorporates the plans into their own, everyday life (Georgetown University, n.d).

References:

Georgetown University. (n.d.). Cultural Competence in Health Care: Is it important for people with chronic conditions? https://hpi.georgetown.edu/cultural/

Office of Minority Health. (2019, December 19). Diabetes and African Americans. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=4&lvlid=18

World Health Organization. (2014, October 6). Diet, Nutrition and the Prevention of Chronic Diseases, Report of the Joint WHO/FAO expert consultation. https://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/publications/trs916/summary/en/