Ethnographic Analysis
Precious Teasley
Southern New Hampshire University
IHP-501-Q2461 Global Health and Diversity
23TW3
Professor Carolina Bald wine
February 23, 2023
Ethnographic Analysis
Ethnicity: Analyze the impact of ethnicity on population identification. What impact does ethnicity have on cultural notions of identity?
Ethnicity is a complex and multifaceted concept that can influence how individuals view themselves and their identities. It is commonly described as a shared cultural heritage and identity based on shared ancestry, language, religion, and traditions. Ethnicity can significantly shape an individual’s identity and impact their beliefs, behaviors, and experiences.
For many individuals, ethnicity is a fundamental aspect of their identity and can be a source of pride and belonging. Ethnic identity can influence how individuals view themselves and their place in society and relate to others from similar or different ethnic backgrounds (Stets& Fares, 2019). When members of various ethnic groups have opposing goals or worldviews, ethnicity can become a divisive factor.
Cultural conceptions of identity can vary widely across different ethnic groups and may be influenced by various factors, including history, geography, language, religion, and political systems. For example, some cultures may put a lot of value on individual success and achievement, while others may put a lot of value on how close people are to their families and communities. In some cultures, a person’s ethnic identity may be closely tied to their religious beliefs, while in others, ethnicity may be primarily based on shared ancestry and cultural traditions.
Ethnic identity can also be influenced by broader social and cultural factors, such as discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping. For example, individuals from ethnic minorities may experience discrimination based on ethnicity, which can impact how they view themselves and their place in society. On the other hand, individuals from majority ethnic groups may take their ethnic identity for granted and not consider its influence on their worldview and experiences.
Assess the risks associated with the health concern for the patients and their loved ones.
The stakes of a health issue for patients and their loved ones can be incredibly high and may vary depending on the specific health condition and its severity (Wynn, 2020). Health difficulties can generally impact a patient’s physical, mental, and social health and other aspects of their life. Some potential stakes of a health issue for patients and their loved ones may include Physical health: Health issues can have significant impacts on a patient’s physical health, including pain, discomfort, limited mobility, and reduced quality of life. Sometimes, health issues may be life-threatening and require urgent medical intervention.
Emotional well-being: Health issues can also significantly impact a patient’s emotional well-being, including stress, anxiety, depression, and fear. Patients may experience various emotions related to their diagnosis, including shock, disbelief, and anger. Social relationships: Health issues can also impact a patient’s social relationships and support systems. Patients may experience isolation, loneliness, and social stigma related to their health condition. Loved ones may also experience stress and anxiety related to supporting the patient and managing the impact of the health issue on their own lives.
Explain how patients in this population conceptualize sickness.
Patients’ conceptualizing of illness can vary widely based on cultural, social, and personal factors. Patients’ beliefs about illness are generally shaped by their cultural background, religious beliefs, education, socioeconomic status, and previous experiences with healthcare. Understanding how patients in a particular population conceptualize illness is important for healthcare providers to provide effective care.
In some cultures, illness is conceptualized as being caused by supernatural or spiritual factors, such as a curse or divine punishment (Fox et al., 2018). In these cases, patients may seek the help of traditional healers, shamans, or religious leaders, in addition to seeking medical treatment. In other cultures, illness may be viewed as being caused by imbalances in the body’s energy or by environmental factors, such as climate or pollution. Patients in some populations may also have specific beliefs about the causes of certain illnesses and may attribute illness to factors such as diet, lifestyle, genetics, or exposure to toxins. Patients may also have beliefs about the progression of illness and may expect certain symptoms or stages to occur over time.
Determine the social stressors that patients may face due to their condition.
Patients with illnesses may experience a range of social stresses that can impact their overall well-being and quality of life (Alnazly et al., 2021). Some social stresses that patients may experience due to illness include Social isolation: Patients with illnesses may experience social isolation due to physical limitations, the stigma associated with their illness, or a lack of understanding and support from family and friends. Financial stress: Illness can be expensive to manage, and patients may experience financial stress due to medical expenses, lost income, or changes in insurance coverage. Cultural barriers: Patients may also experience cultural barriers when seeking care, including language barriers or a lack of understanding of their cultural beliefs and practices.
Consider the impact of the clinical environment on your interaction with the patient.
The clinical setting can significantly impact the relationship between healthcare providers and patients. Some potential impacts of the clinical setting on the relationship between healthcare providers and patients include Power dynamics: The clinical setting can create a power dynamic between healthcare providers and patients in which the healthcare provider is perceived as having more knowledge and expertise.
This power dynamic can impact the patient’s willingness to share information, ask questions, and actively participate in their care. Time constraints: Healthcare providers in clinical settings are often under time constraints, which can limit the amount of time they spend with each patient. This can impact the quality of the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, as patients may feel rushed or not fully heard. Physical environment: The physical environment of the clinical setting can impact the patient’s comfort and sense of safety. For example, a cold, sterile environment may create a sense of discomfort or anxiety for patients.
References
Alnazly, E., Khraisat, O. M., Al-Bashaireh, A. M., & Bryant, C. L. (2021). Anxiety, depression, stress, fear and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic among Jordanian healthcare workers. Plos one, 16(3), e0247679.
Fox, A. B., Earnshaw, V. A., Taverna, E. C., & Vogt, D. (2018). Conceptualizing and measuring mental illness stigma: The mental illness stigma framework and critical review of measures. Stigma and health, 3(4), 348.
Stets, J. E., & Fares, P. (2019). The effects of race/ethnicity and racial/ethnic identification on general trust. Social Science Research, 80, 1-14.
Wynn, Franklin. “Burnout or Compassion Fatigue? A Comparative Concept Analysis for Nurses Caring for Patients in High-Stakes Environments.” International Journal for Human Caring 24.1 (2020).
