Decreasing health disparities for children with asthma and their families: Conceptualizing cultural weaving & identifying the cultural characteristics of a head start organization in the United States

Healthy Communities Research Institute, College of Nursing
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  3. Decreasing health disparities for children with asthma and their families: Conceptualizing cultural weaving & identifying the cultural characteristics of a head start organization in the United States
Author(s)
Abstract
The overall purpose was to identify cultural competency characteristics of a community organization and its staff in caring for chronically ill children from diverse backgrounds. The study used a qualitative design to explore the elements of cultural values and beliefs within the context of a Head Start organization that cares for chronically ill, low income children. A small convenience sample of organization employees provided demographic data, completed cultural competency assessment instruments and participated in focus groups. Qualitative data were analyzed first coding and identifying themes related to cultural values and belief of the individuals who manage a local Head Start. The results indicated previous experience influences the working with diverse populations. Whereas the socialized culture had a greater effect on working with diverse groups of children and their families. Although there is a need to provide knowledge on communicating with diverse population of children and families, importantly the past beliefs and values have a powerful effect on the ability to working with diverse population. Nurses need to be more involved in the community and provide educational training on cultural diversity to various organizations. The training should include the personal values and beliefs. In addition, there is the need for the nurses to provide health care training to community organizations on management of chronically ill children in their care. The findings support the benefits of cultural competency training for all those who care for children from diverse backgrounds with health problems.
Format
Article
Identifier(s)
10.1080/10911359.2018.1491368
Publication Date
2018-11-17
Publication Title
Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Volume
28
Issue
8
First Page
1033
Last Page
1047
Keywords
Subject
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
Community
Healthy Communities Research Institute
College of Nursing
Permalink https://oaks.kent.edu/hcri/decreasing-health-disparities-children-asthma-and-their-families-conceptualizing-cultural
Dowell, J., & Gula, R. (2018). Decreasing health disparities for children with asthma and their families: Conceptualizing cultural weaving & identifying the cultural characteristics of a head start organization in the United States (1–). Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2018.1491368
Dowell, Jo, and Rachelle Gula. 2018. “Decreasing Health Disparities for Children With Asthma and Their Families: Conceptualizing Cultural Weaving & Identifying the Cultural Characteristics of a Head Start Organization in the United States”. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2018.1491368.
Dowell, Jo, and Rachelle Gula. Decreasing Health Disparities for Children With Asthma and Their Families: Conceptualizing Cultural Weaving & Identifying the Cultural Characteristics of a Head Start Organization in the United States. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 17 Nov. 2018, https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2018.1491368.