Now Available   Information on: Competencia Intercultural para la Atención de Salud Sexual y Reproductiva Reducing Health Disparities in AAPI Populations Did You Know . . . Providers may order fewer diagnostic tests for patients of different cultural backgrounds because they may not understand or believe the patient’s description of symptoms. Alternatively, providers may order more diagnostic tests to compensate for not understanding what their patients are saying. Patients may not adhere to medical advice because they do not understand or do not trust the provider. African-Americans may be less likely to be referred for cardiac catheterization than Whites, even when presenting with the same symptoms. Although Hispanics have a lower incidence of breast, oral cavity, colorectal, and urinary bladder cancers, their mortality from these is similar to that of the majority population. Newly arrived immigrants and refugees from several parts of the world should be tested for tuberculosis, hepatitis, intestinal parasites, malaria, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Please keep in mind that while culture is an essential mediator in people's health status, culture is not the only factor that shapes us. Other factors including environment, economics, genetics, previous and current health status,and psycho-social factors exert considerable influence on our well-being. As a reminder of these compelling complexities, we have chosen to use a symbol denoting the care that we all need to take to avoid stereotyping. You will see this symbol throughout this site.

Please note that The Provider's Guide to Quality & Culture does not include information about all cultures or all issues related to cultural competence. Thus, throughout the site you will find links to other web sites containing useful information related to cultural competence and health care. They have served as valuable references for us in the development of this site. The Provider's Guide is a "work in progress" that will be continuously improved and periodically updated. We welcome your comments and suggestions.