Bridging the Gap in Black Women's Healthcare
Three Proven Strategies to Deliver Culturally Competent Care
Despite the awareness of health disparities, research has shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) experience the highest disease burden in the United States (Adebayo et al., 2022). Even more troubling is the impact on Black women with severe medical conditions, who have the lowest survival rates compared to other racial groups (Cerezo et al., 2023). While there are many reasons for that, one that cannot be ignored is the quality of care that BIPOC populations receive.
Due to a lack of culturally attuned healthcare services, Black women's quality of care can be severely impacted. As a result, we see Black women dying at an increasing rate compared to their other counterparts. Thus, improving the quality of care for Black women is essential and begins with thinking critically about our cultural competence.
Cultural competence is critical to adequate healthcare, especially when addressing healthcare disparities. Through the process of understanding and respecting cultural differences, we can build trust and deliver more effective care. That's why we'll explore three proven culturally competent strategies healthcare providers can implement into their practices.
Strategy 1: Cultivating a Culturally Competent Approach
Cultivating cultural competence begins with a commitment to understanding each patient's and client's unique cultural background, experiences, and beliefs. For Black women, this means recognizing the historical context of systemic inequalities that have shaped their health outcomes. Despite the misconception that historical trauma, discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities don't impact healthcare today, reality has shown that this is not the case.
Hence, healthcare providers need to educate themselves about the cultural nuances specific to Black communities. This might involve reading literature, attending workshops, and engaging in open conversations with Black patients and clients. Additionally, establishing a diverse and inclusive healthcare team can provide valuable perspectives and insights from those with the lived experiences of those they serve.
Strategy 2: Promoting Positive Nutrition and Lifestyle Choices
Nutrition and lifestyle play crucial roles in overall health and well-being. However, disparities in access to nutrient-dense foods and cultural traditions often influence dietary preferences. To bridge this gap, healthcare providers can adopt the following strategies:
a) Tailored Nutritional Guidance: Providing personalized nutritional advice that aligns with a patient's and client's cultural preferences and dietary practices is essential. This might involve suggesting culturally appropriate recipes or offering nutritious and culturally familiar alternatives.
b) Community Resources: Connecting patients and clients with local resources, such as farmers' markets, community gardens, or culturally-specific nutrition programs, can help ensure access to fresh and healthy foods.
c) Culturally-Sensitive Education: Offering educational materials that address the intersection of culture, nutrition, and health empowers patients and clients to make informed choices that resonate with their cultural backgrounds.
Strategy 3: Addressing Body Image Concerns with Sensitivity
Body image concerns can significantly impact a person's mental and emotional well-being. In many cultures, including the Black community, there may be unique perspectives on beauty and body ideals. Healthcare providers can navigate these sensitivities by:
a) Open Dialogue: Creating a safe and non-judgmental space for patients and clients to discuss their body image concerns is essential. This allows for open conversations about self-perception, societal pressures, and personal goals.
b) Empowerment and Positive Reinforcement: Encouraging patients and clients to focus on overall health and well-being rather than conforming to societal beauty standards can be empowering. Celebrating small achievements and progress toward health goals fosters a positive self-image.
c) Referral to Mental Health Professionals: Recognizing when additional support is needed is crucial. Referring patients and clients to mental health professionals specializing in body image and self-esteem can be a pivotal step toward holistic care.
Mastering culturally competent care is a continuous journey that requires dedication, empathy, and a willingness to learn. By cultivating a culturally competent approach, promoting positive nutrition and lifestyle choices, and addressing body image concerns with sensitivity, healthcare providers can significantly impact the health and well-being of Black women. Embracing diversity and respecting cultural differences leads to better health outcomes and strengthens the patient-provider or client-provider relationship, ultimately creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.
Reference
Adebayo, C. T., Parcell, E. S., Mkandawire-Valhmu, L., & Olukotun, O. (2022). African American Women's Maternal Healthcare Experiences: A Critical Race Theory Perspective. Health Communication, 37(9), 1135–1146. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2021.1888453
Cerezo, A., Ching, S., & Ramirez, A. (2023). Healthcare Access and Health-Related Cultural Norms in a Community Sample of Black and Latinx Sexual Minority Gender Expansive Women. Journal of Homosexuality, 70(5), 782-805, https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2021.1999123