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Understanding ethnopharmacolgy: implications for cultural relativism
Ruth Davidhizar1, Joyce Newman Giger
1School of Nursing, Bethel College, Mishawaka, IN 46545, USA. RDavidhiza@aol.com
Journal of National Black Nurses' Association : JNBNA
|September 24, 2008
Summary
Cultural and biological variations impact patient care. Understanding racial and ethnic biological differences is crucial for developing culturally sensitive healthcare plans and ethnopharmacology insights.
Area of Science:
- Transcultural Nursing
- Healthcare Disparities
- Genetics and Ethnicity
Background:
- Cultural competence is widely acknowledged, but biological variations among racial and ethnic groups are less recognized.
- The Giger and Davidhizar Transcultural Assessment Model identifies key areas of cultural difference, including communication, social organization, and environmental control.
- Biological variations, the final component of the model, are increasingly understood and essential for effective cross-cultural healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of assessing biological variations related to race and ethnicity in patient care.
- To emphasize the role of biological variations in developing culturally sensitive care plans.
- To underscore the connection between biological variations and understanding ethnopharmacology.
Main Methods:
- Review of the Giger and Davidhizar Transcultural Assessment Model.
- Analysis of the significance of biological variations in healthcare.
- Emphasis on assessment as a critical step in care planning.
Main Results:
- Biological variations differ significantly across racial and ethnic groups.
- Knowledge of these variations is essential for providing appropriate care.
- Assessment of biological variations informs culturally sensitive interventions.
Conclusions:
- Assessing biological variations is a critical component of the Giger and Davidhizar Transcultural Nursing Assessment Model.
- This assessment is vital for developing effective, culturally sensitive care plans.
- Understanding ethnopharmacology necessitates attention to race- and ethnicity-based biological differences.
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