Introduction
The provision of care in today’s increasingly diverse healthcare setting demands that nurses and other caregivers be culturally competent. As the primary contact with patients, nurses must be aware of patients’ cultures and beliefs to provide care that respects their rights and preferences. Cultural competence is vital in healthcare since it enables caregivers to follow patients’ preferences. It involves understanding and respecting patients’ religious and cultural beliefs and values regarding medication.
The target audience for this paper is staff nurses, as they play a crucial role in understanding and addressing health issues affecting Chinese patients. To do so, nurses caring for Chinese patients must learn and understand the distinct aspects of Chinese culture and compare them to their own, exploring topographical, socioeconomic, political, educational, and historical.
In addition, nurses can provide Chinese patients with culturally appropriate care when they delve into healthcare considerations based on the culture that these people hold regarding medication. Therefore, nurses as culturally diverse practitioners need to consider the Chinese religious and cultural beliefs and values related to medication to provide care that does not violate their preferences, values, and beliefs.
Chinese and Western Culture
Nurses caring for Chinese people living in the United States need to be aware of the cultural differences that separate Chinese culture from the Western way of life, as far as seeking medical attention is concerned. According to Alegria et al. (2010), cultural differences influence the treatment intervention one may choose. Therefore, caring for the Chinese in the United States demands a clear understanding of their culture. Thus, comparing Chinese and Western cultures gives nurses insights and helps them gain cultural competence.
The three aspects that form the basis of comparison include family structure, communication style, and the concept of time. According to Yildiz et al. (2018), the family structure holds an important position as far as the lives of the Chinese are concerned. The study also reveals that filial piety is deeply ingrained in Chinese cultures (Yildiz et al., 2018). The concept implies that older people must be respected and cared for with dignity.
Moreover, other studies have also found that extended families in China live nearby, and each family has a say when making vital decisions concerning their lives. In contrast, Western cultures are quite the opposite of what is practiced in China. According to Batchelor (2021), the United States often prioritizes individualism, independence, and personal autonomy. Moreover, nuclear families are widely practiced, and decisions are made based on individual preferences. Therefore, as a nurse, I must engage the Chinese patient’s family to develop a care plan that meets their needs.
Regarding communication style, the Chinese exhibit a different style from that of the United States. According to Yildiz et al. (2018), Chinese communication tends to be indirect and context-dependent. They also use non-verbal cues and body language to express their ideas and opinions. Embracing an indirect form of communication is to avoid embarrassment and confrontation. On the other hand, communication in Western cultures is more direct and to the point. Moreover, Western communication emphasizes verbal communication, and each opinion and assertiveness is accounted for.
In terms of the concept of time, Chinese culture has no strict adherence to schedules and punctuality. Yildiz et al. (2018) noted that being late for an appointment in China is acceptable as long as the act does not disrupt the overall process. This differs greatly from Western culture, where people tend to be time-oriented. Moreover, punctuality and time management are highly prioritized in the United States. Therefore, as a nurse, I would need to understand the Chinese communication style, family structure, and concept of time to ensure strict adherence to medication at the correct time.
Historical, Socioeconomic, Political, Educational, and Topographical Aspects
Effective care for Chinese patients living in the United States requires nurses to be aware of the historical, socioeconomic, political, educational, and geographical aspects of Chinese culture to understand the health and practices of these patients. According to Lin et al. (2021), China has a profound historical significance and has made significant contributions to various fields, particularly in technology and philosophy. For instance, China embraced the ideology of Confucianism, which has played a crucial role in shaping society by emphasizing ethical conduct, respect for authority, and enhancing social harmony.
Additionally, the Chinese people practice traditional medicine, which influences their healthcare practices. Concerning socioeconomic factors, China has experienced drastic economic growth and transformation in all sectors over the past few decades. The country has moved from an agrarian society to a global economic powerhouse (Liu et al., 2019). Moreover, the country has undergone rapid urbanization and industrialization, resulting in the growth of cities and the adoption of modern technology.
Politically, China operates under a socialist system with a central government responsible for all actions. According to Longhofer and Winchester (2023), the Communist Party is the ruling party, and the policies and rules that the government formulates affect various aspects of life, including healthcare and education services. Moreover, the government is also taking control of infectious diseases and promoting preventive healthcare through its top-down approach (Longhofer & Winchester, 2023).
China’s culture places a high emphasis on its children’s educational achievement. According to Yildiz et al. (2018), Chinese students face stiff competition in securing the most valued universities, such as Gaokao. The topography of China is diverse, composed of various landscapes that impact Chinese daily lives. According to Wang et al. (2023), China’s topography is characterized by mountains and valleys. Thus, it can be said that China’s diverse geography has a significant influence on both its culture and economic activities.
Interdisciplinary Interventions for Hereditary, Genetic, and Endemic Diseases and High-Risk Health Behaviors
In a community, it is crucial to have interdisciplinary interventions to address health challenges related to hereditary, genetic, and endemic diseases, as well as other high-risk health behaviors. Therefore, nurses and other caregivers responsible for caring for Chinese patients must collaborate with various professionals to develop effective interventions that improve the health outcomes of Chinese patients. The first method that can be used is genetic counseling (Kersey-Matusiak, 2018). This strategy provides support and information to individuals at risk of hereditary or genetic disorders.
Collaborating with genetic counselors will ensure that nurses identify individuals with a history of these conditions. Working with diverse professionals will enable individualized assessment, testing, and counseling for individuals with heightened risk. A public health initiative is another intervention that can be used to eradicate the endemic diseases posing significant challenges to the Chinese people. Therefore, as a nurse, I would participate in initiatives to combat endemic diseases such as COVID-19 and hepatitis. The nurse’s role would be to promote vaccination campaigns and educate the community on the transmission and prevention of these endemic diseases.
Health behavior modification can also be used to improve the health outcomes of diverse patients. Kersey-Matusiak (2018) suggests that nurses must collaborate with other healthcare stakeholders, such as psychologists and social workers, to develop a behavior modification plan tailored to Chinese patients. For example, the smoking trend in the Chinese population needs to be addressed to reduce the risk of health-related diseases. The nurses will have to seek the advice of a smoking cessation specialist and develop a strategy that would reduce the smoking rate among Chinese.
Moreover, when a particular community is characterized by excessive consumption of alcohol, it is the responsibility of a nurse, in collaboration with other professionals, to develop a plan that will reduce the rate at which it is taken. As such, nurses can provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive care to the Chinese population by leveraging interdisciplinary interventions, such as health behavior modification, public health initiatives, and genetic counseling.
Influences of Value Systems on Childbearing and Bereavement Practices
Chinese cultural values have a significant influence on decisions regarding childbearing and family planning issues. Kersey-Matusiak (2018) noted that cultural and religious practices affect children’s development and health. In China, family lineage is valued, and its continuity is regarded as a moral responsibility. As such, the Chinese bear children to carry the family name to the next generation. Moreover, other studies state that Chinese couples may be pressured to have a male child, as China’s traditional culture sees males as more important than women in carrying the family legacy (Yildiz et al., 2018).
As such, the emphasis on family lineage may influence family planning practices and the number of children a couple may wish to have. The contribution of the extended family in child rearing also holds a position in China. They provide support during prenatal and postnatal care for both the mother and the child. Therefore, a nurse needs to consider these cultural values to render a Chinese patient with culturally sensitive care.
Cultural values in China also significantly influence how children perceive and respond to bereavement practices. Hu and Li (2020) noted that China’s bereavement practices are rooted in ancestral worship and spiritual beliefs. Ancestral worship in China involves giving the deceased a proper send-off and believing they have departed to live with their ancestors. Moreover, during grief, it is common for Chinese families to engage in various rituals, including offering food and burning incense, to ease the transition to the afterlife. Therefore, as a nurse caring for Chinese patients, it is essential to understand the factors that influence their behavior to provide culturally sensitive care they deserve.
Strength, Spirituality, and Magico-Religious Beliefs
The Chinese culture is significantly shaped by various activities, including the use of traditional medicine (TCM). According to Zhao et al. (2020), it involves understanding the human body and how it relates to its surroundings. The various practices in China that improve the health outcomes of those seeking medical help include acupuncture, herbs, cupping, and tai chi.
According to Zhao et al. (2020), TCM practitioners can address physical symptoms and restore emotional and spiritual aspects. Therefore, the use of TCM serves many purposes, like connecting to spirits, and it is also regarded as a source of strength in coping with health issues. Another source of strength in Chinese culture is its ancestral worship, which is closely tied to spirituality and beliefs about the afterlife.
According to Yildiz et al. (2018), Chinese people believe that the dead exist and contribute to living lives. Moreover, other studies note that the living often seek the spirit’s guidance during critical times, including health-related matters. For example, when an endemic strikes, the Chinese may perform various rituals to seek their ancestors’ wisdom on how to deal with the disease.
Healthcare Practices
People worldwide tend to seek medical attention when they have already developed symptoms related to a specific illness. This is not different for the Chinese, as they seek medication after the first symptoms of specific diseases appear. This implies that their culture has prioritized acute care over preventive care. The Chinese people do not take preventive measures such as regular check-ups and screenings seriously. These people will only visit a healthcare facility when they have a fever, pain, or other symptom manifestation. As a nurse, therefore, it is crucial to educate them on preventive measures that lead to the timely detection of diseases.
The barriers to healthcare include several factors that hinder the Chinese from accessing healthcare services. According to Kersey-Matusiak (2018), cultural, linguistic, and financial constraints are the major barriers to accessing healthcare facilities. For instance, a language barrier tampers with effective communication, leading to misunderstandings and thus reducing the quality of care. Moreover, a lack of finances, especially for low-income Chinese, may impede their access to high-quality healthcare services. Therefore, nurses must strive to address these barriers by seeking professional interpreters and providing culturally sensitive education.
The meaning of pain and the sick role may take a different perspective in Chinese culture as compared to Western culture. For instance, the Chinese view pain as part and parcel of life and thus may be stoic in expressing it during injections or when experiencing severe pain. Other studies apply the concept of saving face to explain how the Chinese people communicate their feelings of pain.
On the other hand, the perception of a sick role is influenced by cultural values emanating from stoicism and resilience (Trail et al., 2021). Nurses, thus, need to be attentive to Chinese expressions of pain and take precautions to relieve them from the agony. Traditional folk medicine in China has a long history, and even today, it is still used to manage various health conditions through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and cupping.
Cultural Issues Related to Learning Styles, Autonomy, and Educational Content Preparation
Different cultures worldwide cultivate various learning preferences, determining how an individual processes and disseminates information. According to Song et al. (2020), traditional education in China involves memorization. Moreover, students are expected to obey teachers and elders involved in their education. Like in many cultures, teachers and parents hold a central role in enhancing children’s education. Regarding autonomy and decision-making, Confucian values play a fundamental role.
For instance, Yildiz et al. (2018) revealed that Chinese culture prioritizes collective harmony and family debates over individual opinions. The implication is that the decision-making process involves the input of elders, family members, and those holding important positions. The government must incorporate cultural sensitivity training in colleges and universities to promote cultural diversity within the Chinese education system. This will allow the Chinese to be exposed to other people’s cultural practices, especially those related to healthcare, so they do not have a predetermined mindset that their culture nurtures.
Conclusion
This essay explored the roles of nurses as culturally diverse practitioners, with the main focus on Chinese cultural aspects. First, Chinese culture was compared to Western culture, where the key difference that may affect how a nurse attends to a Chinese patient was discussed. The difference was found in family structure, styles of communication, and the idea of time. As has been found, one size does not fit all in a healthcare facility; it is, therefore, important for nurses to strive to develop cultural competence and humility so that they can care for diverse patients from various backgrounds, including the Chinese.
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