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**Western Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies**

Julie Hogan, Ph.D., Director

**May 1, 2003**

**Cultural Diversity in Prevention**

By: Leslie Steve, MA, Special Projects Consultant

Edited by Ken Smith, MPH, CPS, Coordinator

As prevention professionals the ability to effectively communicate and
demonstrate an understanding of the unique needs of various cultural
groups is important. Being sensitive to these needs is vital. Culture is
defined as the shared values, practices, traditions, norms, customs,
history and institutions of a group of people. It structures their
family and community lives, and it shapes their world view. Culture
greatly influences individual attitudes and values about the use of
alcohol tobacco and other drugs, and ones response to prevention
messages.

Three NIDA studies^1^ have shown that culture and ethnicity can be
protective factors and offset risk factors for alcohol and other drug
abuse. The studies suggest that incorporating ethnic and cultural
components specific to the unique characteristics of any particular
community can make prevention programs more effective.

Even though people think of culture as race and/or ethnicity, it is
really much more. It also includes groupings such as gender, sexual
orientation, religion, socioeconomic status, physical challenge, living
environment and age among others. Many times prejudices, stereotyping
and fears of different groups of people can interfere with the
communication process necessary for establishing trust and rapport. This
can hinder good working relationships and undermine prevention efforts.
On the other hand, since prejudices and stereotyping were learned over
time, they can be unlearned over time as well.

To promote effective, scientifically-defensible prevention programs and
their implementation, prevention specialists can increase cooperation
and collaboration with individuals and community organizations by
demonstrating respect, acceptance, sensitivity and understanding of the
unique characteristics and needs of the communities with which they
work. Becoming culturally competent requires willingness, and ability to
draw on values, customs and traditions.

A culturally competent prevention system is committed to learning about
various cultural communities and groups. It facilitates community
empowerment while encouraging involvement and participation of diverse
cultural groups and communities at all levels and all phases of planning
and decision-making. A culturally competent prevention system
acknowledges diversity within communities with respect, promotes
inclusion, builds relationships and provides intensive outreach. It
seeks legitimacy, acceptance and credibility within cultural groups and
communities.

Culturally competent people r

ecognize that taking the best of multiple perspectives enhances the
capacity of all.

For more information, see SAMHSA's website regarding a CADCA
teleconference entitled "Diversity and Prevention: Ethnicity, Culture
and Environment" at:
<http://www.health.org/multimedia/presteleconf/convertpdf2.aspx>

^1^Muniz, Brook, J. S., et al. (1998). Drug use among African Americans:
Ethnic identity as a protective factor. Psychological Reports 83,
1427--1446.

^1^Brook, J. S.; Whiteman, M.; Balka, E. B.; Win, P. T.;and Gursen, M.
D. (1998). Drug use among Puerto Ricans: Ethnic identity as a protective
factor. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences 20 (2), 241--254.

^1^Nemoto, T., et al. (In press). Drug use behavior among Asian drug
users in San Francisco. Addictive Behaviors.

The six regional CAPTs are funded by the Center for Substance Abuse
Prevention in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration. For more information on this Tip of the CAPT or other
Western CAPT services, please visit our web site:
**http://[www.westcapt.org](http://www.westcapt.org/)**

**Our toll-free office number is: (888) 734-7476**