Discussion Week 3

Discussion: Cultural, Ethical Context of Health Literacy

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, Title V, defines health literacy as the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, communicate, process, and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions (CDC, 2011).

Does this definition take into account cultural beliefs or remedies to which some individuals are accustomed? Or does the health literacy definition refer to only biomedical care or treatment options that also fall within biomedical standards? To what extent ethical principles of public health practices are considered.

The human papillomavirus vaccine has been shown to be effective in the prevention of cervical cancer among young women. Yet, among some populations here in the U.S., young women are not seeking the protection of the vaccine. The reasons have little to do with access to the vaccine and a lot more to do with the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors (i.e., culture) associated with the HPV vaccine

For this Discussion, you examine the public issues you might encounter in health literacy and cultural awareness.

To prepare for this Discussion, suppose that you are a health practitioner in the health field working with the HPV vaccine.

Post a response to the following:

Identify one issue within the concepts of health literacy and cultural awareness. Also, explain the differences between health literacy and cultural awareness. (Demonstrate how these might lead you to a different type of awareness.) Discuss how cultural differences in beliefs and attitudes may influence your work with different communities in relation to HPV vaccines. Discuss to what extent ethical principles of public health practices are considered. Expand on your insights utilizing the Learning Resources.