Moreover, in Asia, only poor people or strict vegetarians eat large amounts of vegetables. Those who can afford meat are inclined to eat beef more than fish or chicken. Some traditional or popular commercial medicines are intended to increase both appetite and sleep. Access to care remains a significant problem for many Laotians. Because health care situations present unique challenges in understanding and often fine points or gradations in decision-making, even the presence of a family member who speaks English and Laotian may not be sufficient for some circumstances.
Cultural issues present a sometimes difficult to identify and understand problems in understanding.
Once in the health care system, Laotians may experience deep feelings of isolation and a kind of cultural depersonalization. Transportation is often a problem when either all adults in a family are working or the family is poor. Health histories may be incomplete for several reasons, the most basic of which is a reluctance to volunteer information. Trust or its lack is a major issue. With trust based on relationships, one might assume that the history will evolve over time, rather be complete in one or two interviews.