kev...Australia
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Oxford University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
0
Subject
Health Science
Date
Nov 24, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by rotichkelvin489
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DETERMINANTS ON THE HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND
OUTCOMES OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN CALD COMMUNITIES IN AUSTRALIA.
CONTEXT OF HEALTH ISSUES AMONG THE POPULATION
Australia's multicultural society is indeed a lively tapestry woven together by a diverse range of
cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity is not only a source of strength but also a
unique challenge for public health. Over the decades, Australia has evolved into a melting pot of
cultures and languages due to immigration from all over the world, creating a distinct social
landscape. People from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Pacific Islands have
made Australia their new home, contributing to the country's rich tapestry of languages, faiths,
customs, and traditions.
While English is the primary language in this multicultural mosaic, it is essential to recognize
the multitude of other languages spoken in Australian households. Apart from English, a
staggering 300 languages are spoken in the country, with Mandarin, Arabic, Cantonese, and
Vietnamese among the most commonly spoken. This multilingual landscape exemplifies
Australia's multiculturalism, making it a dynamic and culturally diverse nation.
One evident aspect of Australia's multicultural landscape is the significant presence of
Southeast Asian migrants. They constitute one of the major population groups in these culturally
and linguistically diverse (CALD) regions. These communities, like many other CALD groups,
face a complex interplay of health-related variables. This intricate web of factors often leads to
disparities and poor health outcomes for individuals and communities.
A critical examination of the factors and practices that influence the use of healthcare services
by Southeast Asian CALD groups and the entire inhabitants of Australia. To inform this
investigation, analysis of array of data from a peer-reviewed journal and the Australian Bureau
of Statistics (ABS) website. By doing so, an aim to shed light on the key issues affecting the
health of these communities and propose strategies to enhance the accessibility of healthcare
services for them can be reached.
Health disparities within Southeast Asian CALD communities are often influenced by socio-
economic factors, language barriers, and cultural differences. Limited access to healthcare
resources, information, and preventive services can exacerbate these disparities. Furthermore,
the prevalence of chronic health conditions in these communities can be attributed to various
lifestyle factors and the lack of culturally appropriate health education.
To address these challenges, it is essential to adopt a multifaceted approach. This approach
includes providing culturally sensitive healthcare services, promoting health education in
multiple languages, and ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-trained in intercultural
communication. Community-based programs and outreach initiatives can play a pivotal role in
improving health outcomes among Southeast Asian CALD populations.
Australia's multiculturalism is a source of both strength and complexity. The coexistence of
numerous cultures, languages, and traditions enriches the nation's social fabric but also
presents unique challenges in the realm of public health. Southeast Asian CALD communities,
like many others, face disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. By addressing these
issues through culturally sensitive approaches, Australia can continue to celebrate its diversity
while ensuring that everyone has equitable access to healthcare services. This commitment will
not only enhance the well-being of CALD populations but also contribute to the overall health of
the nation..
Social Determinants of health.
Southeast Asian immigrants comprise a sizable share of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
(CALD) communities in Australia's multicultural and varied society. In this context, the Ecological
Model—which takes into account three levels of influence—can be used to comprehend the
health factors and behaviors impacting healthcare consumption. These levels include
intrapersonal, interpersonal, and communal. The intricacies influencing Southeast Asian
immigrants' health in Australia and the ensuing health inequalities will be clarified by this
investigation.
Intrapersonal level
Personal traits and habits are closely related to health determinants. Acculturation, education,
financial level, and healthcare beliefs are important considerations for Southeast Asian
immigration. The process of adjusting to Australian culture, or acculturation, can have an effect
on health-related habits. Strong cultural ties may cause immigrants to experience language
difficulties or to be reluctant to seek medical attention.
Socioeconomic position and lower educational attainment might restrict access to high-quality
healthcare, making it more difficult for people to pay for and obtain essential services. Cultural
attitudes can also affect how people seek health care, which could result in the use of traditional
or alternative treatments rather than evidence-based medicine.
Interpersonal level
Social networks and family have a big impact on the health of Southeast Asian immigrants.
Families in these communities are usually supportive and close-knit. While this may offer
emotional support, there may also be detrimental impacts on one's health. A single family
member's illness, for example, may have a financial and psychological impact on the entire
family, which could be detrimental to their overall well-being.
The opinions and experiences of peers in their communities can also have an impact on
individuals, which can influence behaviors connected to their health. Stigma or fear of
discrimination can worsen health disparities by making it harder for people to seek healthcare
services or to disclose health concerns.
Community level
It offers a more comprehensive view of the socioecological model. Migrants from Southeast
Asia frequently create tight-knit communities with common cultural norms and beliefs. These
communities may offer assistance or pose difficulties for the use of healthcare services. The
possibility for community organizations to offer support networks and healthcare services that
are culturally aware is a plus. These communities may, however, also contribute to a sense of
seclusion from the larger Australian community, which can restrict access to resources and
information that promote health. Migrants may be further discouraged from seeking healthcare
by discrimination and institutional obstacles such restricted access to translators or culturally
competent healthcare practitioners. .
The Ecological Model helps us analyze the health determinants and behaviors impacting
Southeast Asian migrants in Australia at the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community levels.
At the intrapersonal level, factors like acculturation, education, socioeconomic status, and
cultural beliefs play a vital role in shaping health outcomes.
Interpersonally, family structures and social networks can either provide support or pose
challenges to health. Finally, at the community level, the close-knit nature of these communities
can be both an asset and a limitation in the quest for better healthcare outcomes. To address
health disparities among Southeast Asian migrants in Australia, it is essential to consider these
multi-level determinants and develop culturally sensitive, inclusive healthcare strategies that
cater to the diverse needs of this population.
Influence of the key determinants on health behaviors and health outcomes
Important factors have a substantial impact on the health-related behaviors and results of
CALD groups from Southeast Asia living in Australia. First and foremost, socioeconomic
considerations are important. People's capacity to receive healthcare services may be impacted
by financial stress and lower income resulting from limited access to education and career
possibilities. Language challenges cause unclear communication between patients and
healthcare providers, resulting in miscommunications and hindering treatment. In addition,
cultural elements such as norms and traditional beliefs might influence health-related behaviors.
Second, networks of social support are essential. Southeast Asian migrants frequently have
close family and community ties, and these networks can have a beneficial or negative impact
on health-related behaviors and results. Stigma and cultural norms around particular health
disorders may deter people from getting care or being honest about their worries . Overall, the
interaction of social, cultural, and economic variables has a significant impact on how well
Southeast Asian CALD populations in Australia use healthcare services and achieve their health
goals.
The socio-cultural environment in which individuals are raised and live significantly influences
their health behaviors and outcomes. Cultural beliefs, norms, and practices can either promote
or hinder health-related choices. For example, certain cultures may encourage physical activity
and a balanced diet, leading to better health outcomes, while others may have customs that
contribute to unhealthy behaviors like smoking. Understanding and respecting these socio-
cultural influences is essential for healthcare providers and policymakers to design interventions
that resonate with diverse populations and address disparities in health outcomes.
The ability to obtain healthcare services is another important factor. Those who encounter
obstacles like limited funds, non-existence of insurance, or insufficient healthcare facilities could
put off obtaining medical attention or preventative care. This may lead to worse outcomes and
more serious health concerns. However, better access to healthcare can motivate people to
take preventative action and seek treatment in a timely manner. In the end, this results in
healthier habits and better health outcomes. In order to address these issues, policies that aim
to decrease healthcare disparities and increase accessibility are essential.
Last but not least, health literacy and education play a big role in determining health
outcomes and behaviors. People who have had an education are better able to make educated
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
decisions regarding their health. Because educated people are more likely to practice healthy
habits like regular exercise and eating well, higher levels of education are frequently linked to
healthier lifestyles. On the other side, health literacy is essential for comprehending and utilizing
the healthcare system. Individuals with inadequate health literacy may find it difficult to
understand medical advice, which could result in less-than-ideal health outcomes and
behaviors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the multicultural landscape of Australia, enriched by an array
of languages
and cultures, brings both challenges and opportunities in public health. Specifically, Southeast
Asian migrants, like many other diverse communities, face a complex number of factors
impacting their health. These include cultural differences, language barriers, and socio-
economic inconsistency that can lead to unequal health outcomes. To bridge this gap and
ensure equitable healthcare access, it is important that health policies and services consider the
unique needs of CALD communities. Building culturally sensitive and linguistically accessible
healthcare systems is crucial to promote better health and well-being for all Australians,
regardless of their background.
Acknowledging the importance of these elements is crucial in
tackling health inequities and advancing general well-being. Comprehending and honoring
heterogeneous socio-cultural environments is essential when customizing interventions for
distinct groups. Encouraging prompt and efficient care requires strengthening the healthcare
infrastructure, lowering financial obstacles, and expanding access to healthcare. Furthermore,
spending on health literacy and education enables people to make wise decisions and use the
healthcare system more skillfully. It is possible to work toward improved health outcomes and a
healthier society by addressing these important determinants..