Behavior, Awareness and Sensitivity of Healthcare Providers in a Multicultural Environment

Abstract

Background: The healthcare workforce of Saudi Arabia is characterized by diverse cultural backgrounds as a consequence of employment of expatriate workers from various countries. The heterogeneity of both providers of health services and clients resulted to cultural barriers that affected the delivery care. It is paramount to evaluate the cultural competence of the healthcare providers (HCPs) to maintain quality holistic care. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the cultural diversity experience, cultural competence behavior (CCB) and cultural awareness and sensitivity (CAS) of HCPs in a hospital setting of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving survey of HCPs from medical, nursing and laboratory technology disciplines using the Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA) tool. Results: There were a total of 104 HCPs who completed the survey. The characteristics of the respondents resulted to a mean age of 38.7 ±10.4 who were predominantly Asians and nurses. The majority had working experience of 10 years and below, with more than half who had prior diversity trainings. Reported cultural diversity experience included all HCPs caring for Arab Middle Easterners and Asians and encountering at least one or more special population groups. There was an overall high cultural competence (5.28 ±0.46), high CCB (5.84 ±0.56) but only moderately high CAS (4.72 ±0.35). Significant differences were only identified between CCB scores and three demographic variables (racial/ethnic identification, area of discipline and years of experience). No significant result was found between CAS scores and demographic variables as well as between CCB and CAS scores. Conclusions: In spite of high CCB, the HCPs responded with lower CAS scores. Interventions should be initiated to increase CAS such as cultural diversity training and availability of cultural care resources.

Model of Maternal Behavior in Pregnancy-Based Care Transcultural Care Theory (Sunrise Model) and Precede-Based

“…However, important interventions should be undertaken to increase awareness and sensitivity when working with diverse patients [6]. A study by Hidayat and Musrifatul in 2019 found that the culture-based nursing care model is a culture-based approach model that plays an important role in overcoming children's health problems in the community, especially when cultural factors are conflicting with healthy principles [7].…”

“…The study by Russell Salvador in 2018 found that HCPs are very culturally competent, especially in changing aspects of behavior [6], [7]. The role of older mothers who are close to pregnant women may be relevant when conveying information.…”