The phenomena of concern to nurses are human responses to actual or potential health problems throughout the life continuum. Nurses focus on caring, coupled with understanding and purpose. Since the 1950's, Leininger has been espousing to nurses the importance of culturally relevant health care. Advances in social and behavioral science, research and methodology have elucidated relationships among biological, behavioral, and social factors that affect health and illness. The link among these factors is critical to understanding of health, identifying effective strategies for disease prevention, maintaining treatment regimens, and suggesting ways to change behavior for more healthful living habits.
Minorities have a double disadvantage when poor.
Impoverished families and individuals are forced to choose between the basic necessities of food and shelter or health care. Some factors contributing to minority health status are not disease-specific, but have bearing on the overall health needs of each minority group. These factors include cultural differences regarding health, educational levels and financial issues that impact on minority groups, minority needs and health education. Health professionals, health care services and health financing need to be sensitive to our culturally diverse populations and maintain cultural and linguistic competence. While there are programs in both the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services that benefit minority groups, there continues to be a lack of coordinated efforts to address minority health concerns.