Sociocultural Determinants of Health and Healthcare

Catalog description

This course will introduce concepts and theories relevant to the care of diverse populations. Patterns of beliefs, values, behaviors, and religious practices of major cultures of the world will be examined as well as their impact on the health practices and healing behaviors of these populations. Culture specific strategies for health promotion, disease prevention, and disease management will be discussed. Factors that influence perception of health and impact health behaviors will be reviewed. Health disparities experienced by specific populations in the U.S. will be critically analyzed with an emphasis on the cumulative effects of social determinants of health upon healthcare outcomes for these populations. This course aims to increase cultural awareness, cultural sensitivity, and cultural competency, and promote an understanding of strategies to improve inclusion and outcomes for diverse patient populations.