Planning and evaluation of cross-cultural health education activities

This paper was written to assist health professionals who are or who are planning to undertake health education activities with people of a different culture. The focus is on the educative function of health promotion. A short summary of relevant learning theory is presented. Some obstacles (pitfalls) encountered in cross-cultural transfer of information, knowledge and skills are presented and the effects of this learning process on the learner and teacher are explored. Examples of possible conflict situations drawn from the author's experiences and research are presented. Variables which influence planning and implementation of health education in cross-cultural settings are examined. A cyclical model which identifies critical questions to be asked and decisions to be made in a four-phased process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation is described for the use of health educators in transcultural settings. The need for systematic cultural assessment prior to planning is stressed to ensure relevancy, acceptance and positive outcome of programmes. Cooperative efforts of health educators with existing systems and traditional teachers and involvement of clients during all phases of the decision making process are suggested.