Asian American

Definition

Asian American refers to individuals in the United States with origins in the countries of East Asia, Southeast Asia, or South Asia. In healthcare, recognizing cultural influences on health practices and beliefs is crucial for providing effective patient care.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Asian Americans may use traditional remedies and alternative therapies alongside conventional medical treatments.
2. Herbal supplements commonly used by Asian Americans can interact with prescribed medications, altering efficacy or causing side effects.
3. Dietary habits influenced by Asian culture may impact nutritional intake, including vitamins and minerals important for managing chronic conditions like diabetes.
4. Understanding cultural attitudes towards diabetes management can help nurses provide more effective education and support to Asian American patients.
5. Language barriers and health literacy levels among some Asian American populations can affect their understanding of medical instructions and adherence to treatment plans.

Review Questions

• What are some common herbal supplements used by Asian Americans that might interact with prescribed diabetic drugs?
• How can cultural dietary habits among Asian Americans influence their vitamin and mineral intake?
• Why is it important for nurses to consider language barriers when educating Asian American patients about diabetes management?

Related terms

Cultural Competence: The ability of healthcare providers to understand and respond effectively to the cultural needs of patients.

Herbal Supplements: Products made from plants used in traditional medicine that may have therapeutic properties.

Health Literacy: The capacity of individuals to obtain, process, and understand basic health information needed to make appropriate health decisions.