Question

Very briefly explain how cultural information relevant in… a. The development or adaptation of a health promotion program? b. The evaluation of a health promotion program?

Answer 1

Culture is the patterns of ideas, customs and behaviours shared by a particular people or society. These patterns identify members as part of a group and distinguish members from other groups.The culture information plays a crucial role in understanding to influential factors,that would significantly affect the reception of development and adaptation of health promotion programs.Health is a cultural concept and depends on how we perceive the world and our experiences. Along with other determinants of health and disease, it is easy to interpret the stigmatization of diseases, cultural perceptions of effective or appropriate treatment,differed expressions and experiences , understanding of whats acceptable and what not. For instance, being overweight is considered 'healthy' in north Indian context, however this is not same in western cultures.Another difference is the consideration od mental illness a taboo in some rural areas , however this is not the scenario in the urban set up in metropolitans.Iin t becomes a necessity exploring, respecting and using cultural similarities and differences to improve quality of care and patient outcomes, adaptation of health programs and its evaluation.

Evaluation is the assessment of health program's reception, quantification and quality ratings. Outcome of the evaluation can focus on short- and long-term program objectives.So ultimately,culture relevance is utmost priority in developing, assessing and reception of health programs for people.

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