Minority groups and populations in the United States tend to face unique health challenges and illnesses. Professionals in the medical sector can analyze such obstacles and propose superior approaches to empower every community in this country. This paper gives a critique of this research article: “Addressing the Health Needs of High-Risk Filipino Americans in the Greater Philadelphia Region”. The discussion goes further to explain how the findings from this study can inform evidence-based clinical practices to meet the needs of low-income Filipino population.
Research Study: Analysis
The selected research article for this article focused on the leading determinants of health among Hawaii Filipinos. The purpose of this study was to analyze and understand the major factors that dictated the lifestyles and health outcomes of this minority population. The identified condition or issue under investigation is that of health determinants (Bhimla et al., 2017). Such aspects can dictate a person’s quality of life and exposure to various diseases. This issue is applicable to the selected minority community since it is usually at risk of different conditions, including diabetes and hypertension.
The target population identified in this study is that of high-risk or poor Filipino Americans. These individuals belong to the wider Asian American population. The final group findings presented a number of similarities and differences. For example, the study revealed that low-income individuals were at risk of becoming obese since they lacked proper health services or support (Bhimla et al., 2017). However, some members of this community were not affected by this condition.
The scholars recruited participants from eight different community-based organizations in the greater Philadelphia region. They focused on these key areas: self-reported medical conditions, health behaviors, demographic characteristics, and chronic disease perception (Bhimla et al., 2017).
The use of such a sample would present evidence-based ideas and observations. Throughout the study process, the researchers ensured that different members of the targeted population were involved in the planning phase. This was necessary to ensure that they signed the presented informed consent forms. The participants did not disclose private or sensitive information. They only gave their views and ideas in order to maintain confidentiality. After conducting the study, the researchers generalized the findings to other groups in the targeted community.
After completing the research, the authors gained numerous insights and ideas for empowering members of this population. For example, majority of the respondents revealed that high blood cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes were some of the leading concerns affecting them. They also realized that there was a need for superior lifestyle interventions to support members of this community. Those from low-income backgrounds would benefit the most (Bhimla et al., 2017). The researchers completed the study successfully since most of the respondents were helpful. Everything also worked well throughout the study period. The work was published in the Journal of Community Health on April 1, 2017.
Cultural Determinants
Every cultural group has its unique behaviors, practices, and lifestyles that influence its health outcomes. The leading conditions identified in the selected article include hypertension and diabetes. In terms of etiology, these conditions occur when people fail to engage in exercises, eat unhealthy food materials, and embrace poor lifestyles. Filipinos from poor backgrounds will also be at risk of developing these conditions.
The outlined treatment method in this article is the use of evidence-based interventions, including physical activities and health education (Pobutsky et al., 2015). New programs targeted personal behaviors and diets can deliver positive results. The most appropriate preventative approach is for individuals to monitor the foods they consume. They can go further to engage in physical activities. Culturally competent interventions include the use of meditation, yoga, and religious events. These activities are capable of improving people’s health conditions.
The major spiritual or religious overtones associated with healing include prayers and work. According to Filipinos, all human beings should work tirelessly in order to get food. This means that they will exercise in the process and overcome the health challenges associated with hypertension and obesity (Pobutsky et al., 2015). Meditation is also a powerful practice that can re-pattern a person’s energy fields, thereby resulting in healing.
Although these aspects are not captured in the selected article, members of this population should consider them if they are to record positive health outcomes. The selected community is also associated with folk or traditional healers (Abesamis, Fruh, Hall, Lemley, & Zlomke, 2016). Such professionals will provide herbs and other food materials that can result in healing. A proper understanding of these cultural determinants of health can guide policymakers to implement superior guidelines and programs that will meet the health needs of this high-risk population.
Applicability in Clinical Practice
The ideas and findings presented in the selected article can empower or guide different practitioners to provide exemplary health services to members of the Filipino population. The first issue to consider is the importance of the above cultural determinants of health. Caregivers can consider the presented information to understand the leading causes of diabetes and hypertension in this population. Issues to do with cultural behaviors and lifestyles will inform the most appropriate treatment and preventative measures (Bhimla et al., 2017). Throughout the care delivery process, professionals can embrace the power of multidisciplinary teams to improve the health outcomes of the targeted patients. The introduction of traditional healers can transform the experiences of the greatest number of patients.
Practitioners will go further to consider the religious and psychological attributes associated with healing among members of this population. This approach will ensure that the targeted individuals receive holistic medical services. Skilled caregivers will also use the findings presented in the article to guide and empower more individuals to support one another (Abesamis et al., 2016). Those living in poor conditions or backgrounds should receive adequate services in order to record positive health outcomes.
From a clinical perspective, there is a need for physicians and practitioners to introduce evidence-based lifestyle interventions. Such strategies should target physical activity and diet. Clinicians can also consider the power of health education to guide and encourage more Filipinos to consider different approaches that can minimize these conditions (Pobutsky et al., 2015). Such achievements will make it possible for more Filipinos to address most of the health challenges affecting them and eventually lead longer and healthy lives. Caregivers can also use the presented findings to partner with human services professionals and community health nurses to maximize the health outcomes of this population.
Conclusion
The above discussion has revealed that many low-income Filipinos in the United States are at risk of hypertension and obesity. The absence of proper strategies and programs to empower such individuals is the leading cause of these health challenges. Practitioners and clinicians should consider the social and cultural determinants of health for this population and provide adequate or evidence-based support. Health educational programs and interventions will deliver positive results and empower more Filipinos to lead high-quality lives.
References
Abesamis, C. J., Fruh, S., Hall, H., Lemley, T., & Zlomke, K. R. (2016). Cardiovascular health of Filipinos in the United States: A review of the literature. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 27(5), 518-528. Web.
Bhimla, A., Yap, L., Lee, M., Seals, B., Aczon, H., & Ma, G. X. (2017). Addressing the health needs of high-risk Filipino Americans in the greater Philadelphia region. Journal of Community Health, 42(2), 269-277. Web.
Pobutsky, A., Cuaresma, C., Kishaba, G., Noble, C., Leung, E., Castillo, E., & Villafuerte, A. (2015). The social, cultural and behavioral determinants of health among Hawaii Filipinos: The Filipino Healthy Communities Project. Californian Journal of Health Promotion, 13(1), 1-12.