(Uba, 1992).Health care providers can encourage health prevention and health care behaviors only through the implications of culturally sensitive programs and behaviors. Professional and societal interventions are critical to the enhancement of minority health, with that, I recommend that programs and clinics must include minority health professionals (e.g., counselors, doctors, nurses, health educators) to cope with the problems and make health care “more available” for the minorities. Also, in order for intervention and prevention efforts to be effective, care-giving professionals must consider cultural issues. Health care training programs should provide students with (a) knowledge about different cultures; (b) knowledge of how health behaviors are influenced by cultural norm and expectations; (c) opportunities to become more multiculturally sensitive through course work, practice, and internships; and (d) knowledge of culturally visible health care interventions. Programs that adhere to these recommendations may increase the likelihood of developing health care professionals who are flexible and sensitive.Cultural beliefs and values affect how individuals maintain their health and respond to symptoms when a health problem arises, whether they seek treatment, and the type of treatment they seek. Communication between patients and health personnel and compliance with medical treatments and recommendations may be thwarted by cultural practices. Diet, sexual activity and practices, and the use of substances are also influenced by culture. Health care professionals must be aware of the effect culture plays in health behaviors in order to (a) deliver effective services, (b) develop culturally sensitive health programs, and (c) engage in research that is generalizable to groups other than the dominant culture. Finally, training programs must emphasize the role culture plays in order to train culturally sensitive and aw...
