Minority Patients: Clinical Strategies to Promote Exercise

Abstract

By building on the strengths of minority communities, new health programs are offering physicians practical strategies for promoting healthy life-style choices for minority patients.

La réadaptation au travail des personnes issues de l’immigration et des minorités ethnoculturelles : défis, perspectives et pistes de recherche

“…C'est que dans le contexte d'une intervention au sens très large, les acteurs en présence ne possèdent pas les mêmes « ressources symboliques » et les savoirs dont ils sont porteurs ne bénéficient pas de la même reconnaissance (Fortin, 2006). L'intervenant, en plus d'être détenteur d'un « savoir expert », se fait le représentant d'une institution souvent « monoculturelle » qui prescrit des schémas corporels, cognitifs et émotionnels uniques (Muñoz, 2007 ;White, 1993). Il faut voir, comme le note Demorgon (2005), par quels jeux d'« équilibration » se développe une vision commune du problème et de la solution à y apporter (Demorgon, 2005).…”

Increasing physical activity levels among youth: A public health challenge.

“…Increasing the number of health care professionals who confidently and effectively address and encourage physical activity among minority youths may bring about lifestyle changes that decrease the prevalence in such conditions as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. White (1993) has suggested clinical strategies for promoting exercise among ethnic minority patients. One strategy is to draw on resources and program initiatives targeted to the special needs of patients' communities.…”

“…The program revolves around peer support groups. Among many African American women, weight control programs that include close interaction with a group leader will tend to be more effective than programs emphasizing an individualistic approach and a learning orientation (White, 1993). Working within a community can therefore offer an effective approach.…”

“…In summary, a health care professional can be immensely more effective in promoting physical activity among ethnic minority youth by being culturally aware and sensitive to the needs of the patient. This awareness and sensitivity means taking the time to learn about and work with a culture's potentially different communication style and health care beliefs while keeping in mind the commonalities and basics of activity promotion (White, 1993).…”

“…Understanding the costs of exercise and recognizing differences in cross-cultural interactions requires sensitivity on the part of the practitioner (White, 1993). Careful attention should always be paid to these variables during interventions.…”