Betty is an 85-year-old African American woman who is in the outpatient office with severe hypertension. She does not consistently take her antihypertensive medications.
Related question #1
Explain three reasons based on cultural care beliefs that Betty may not be adhering to her prescribed medication. The beliefs can be related to her own health, spiritual or cultural basis for beliefs, or attitude toward health providers. Identify a nursing approach that can aim to improve adherence.
Cultural care beliefs and practices significantly influence an individual’s health behaviors and decisions, including medication adherence. This essay explores three possible reasons, rooted in cultural care beliefs, why Betty, an 85-year-old African American woman with severe hypertension, may not consistently take her antihypertensive medications. Additionally, a nursing approach will be identified to improve medication adherence, taking into account Betty’s cultural background and healthcare beliefs.
Historical and contemporary experiences of African Americans with the healthcare system have contributed to a sense of mistrust. Historical events such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and ongoing healthcare disparities have resulted in skepticism towards healthcare providers. Betty may have reservations about the effectiveness and safety of her antihypertensive medications due to these past experiences, leading to non-adherence.
To improve medication adherence, nurses should prioritize building trust with Betty by acknowledging her concerns and addressing any misconceptions or fears about medication. Engaging in culturally responsive communication, which involves active listening, respect for cultural beliefs, and open dialogue, can help foster a therapeutic alliance. By understanding Betty’s mistrust and offering evidence-based information, nurses can empower her to make informed decisions about her health and medication management.
African American cultural beliefs often incorporate spirituality and alternative healing practices. Betty may hold the belief that prayer or natural remedies can cure her hypertension. She may prioritize these methods over medication due to a deeply ingrained spiritual or cultural basis for health beliefs.
Nurses can recognize and integrate Betty’s spirituality into her care plan. By acknowledging and respecting her spiritual beliefs, nurses can work collaboratively with her to explore ways to incorporate medication adherence within her spiritual framework. Encouraging open discussions about the potential benefits of combining traditional medication with spiritual practices may lead to a compromise that improves Betty’s adherence and overall well-being.
Socioeconomic factors, including limited financial resources, can significantly impact medication adherence. African Americans, particularly older adults, often face economic disparities, making it challenging to afford medications. Betty may struggle to consistently purchase her antihypertensive medications, leading to non-adherence.
Nurses can play a vital role in advocating for Betty’s financial well-being and connecting her to available resources. This may involve collaborating with social workers or case managers to explore assistance programs, discounts, or pharmaceutical company patient support programs. By addressing the financial barriers, nurses can enhance Betty’s ability to obtain and adhere to her prescribed medications.
Understanding cultural care beliefs is crucial for improving medication adherence among individuals from diverse backgrounds, including African American patients like Betty. By recognizing and addressing reasons such as mistrust of the healthcare system, spirituality and alternative healing beliefs, and cost-related constraints, nurses can develop culturally sensitive approaches to enhance medication adherence. Through building trust, incorporating spirituality into patient-centered care, and advocating for financial resources, nurses can foster a therapeutic alliance, empower patients to actively participate in their healthcare decisions, and ultimately improve health outcomes.
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