Health Issue in South Asia

Subject: Community Health Nursing II

Overview

Health education is the process by which people and groups of people are taught how to act in a way that will promote, maintain, or restore their health. Beliefs and customs are meant to uphold and honor the family. Families are typically private and do not want to bring themselves into disrepute.

Health Issue in South Asia

Health Education Issue

Health education is the process through which people and groups of people are taught how to act in a way that will promote, maintain, or restore their health. Numerous health problems that South Asians face are comparable to those that afflict the overall population but also include others that are more prevalent in the group. South Asians' top health concerns include the following:

  • Heart Disease: A major cause of death for South Asians is heart disease. In fact, one study showed that the rate of heart attacks among Indian men is twice that of the general population.
  • Diabetes: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a 14% prevalence rate of diabetes among South Asians, more than double the rate for Whites. South Asian women have also reported higher rates of certain forms of diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Cancer: According to the California Cancer Registry, the three leading forms of cancer for South Asian men are prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer. South Asian women are most affected by breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
  • Tuberculosis: Rates of tuberculosis are higher among foreign-born South Asians, compared to other foreign-born.

Cultural Health Issue

Beliefs and customs are meant to protect and honor the family. Families are often private and do not want to bring themselves into disrepute. Humility is highly regarded. In general, dating is permitted, but usually only with parental approval. In an Indian household, inter-marriage causes significant difficulty due to cultural and religious considerations. The importance of education in south Asian families is enormous. In India, access to education was restricted to those who could afford it. Many immigrants came to America to pursue their education, and they strongly encourage their kids to do well in school. Some kids could feel stressed out by this. Meals are prepared and served by women, who may also eat apart from the family's male members. Traditionally, women are not allowed to cook while they are in menstruation. It's customary to use the right hand's fingers while eating. Hand cleaning is essential before eating. Because it increases the risk of a shorter lifetime, overeating is typically avoided.

Reference

Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Health Nursing II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2012 (reprint).

Basavan Thappa Bt, 2005, Community Health Nursing, JAYPEE BROTHERS medical Publisher (P) Ltd, New Delhi

Dr.Suwal S.N. & Tuitui R. (2063) A Textbook of Community Health Nursing, 1st edition, Vidyarthi Prakashan (P). Ltd. Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu

Giri R.K., 2007, 1st edition, A Textbook of Foundation of Health Education and Primary Health Care

Prabhakara GN, 2004 (reprint 2005), Textbook of Community Health for Nurses, Peepe Publishers & Distributers (P) Ltd. India
Things to remember
  • Health education is the process through which people and groups of people are taught how to act in a way that will promote, maintain, or restore their health.
  • Diabetes, heart disease, and tuberculosis are the main health issues in South Asia.
  • Beliefs and customs are meant to protect and honor the family.
  • Families are typically private and do not want to bring themselves into disrepute.
Questions and Answers

Health education is the process through which individuals and groups of people learn how to act in a way that will promote, maintain, or restore their health. Numerous health problems that South Asians face are comparable to those that afflict the overall population but also include others that are more prevalent in the group. South Asians' top health concerns include the following:

  • Heart Disease: A major cause of death for South Asians is heart disease. In fact, one study showed that the rate of heart attacks among Indian men is twice that of the general population.
  • Diabetes: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a 14% prevalence rate of diabetes among South Asians, more than double the rate for Whites. South Asian women have also reported higher rates of certain forms of diabetes during pregnancy.
  • Cancer: According to the California Cancer Registry, the three leading forms of cancer for South Asian men are prostate, colorectal, and lung cancer. South Asian women are most affected by breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer.
  • Tuberculosis: Rates of tuberculosis are higher among foreign-born South Asians, compared to other foreign-born .

Cultural Health Issue

Beliefs and customs are meant to protect and honor the family. Families are often private and do not want to bring themselves into disrepute. Humility is highly regarded. In general, dating is permitted, but usually only with parental approval. In an Indian household, inter-marriage causes significant difficulty due to cultural and religious considerations. The importance of education in south Asian families is enormous. In India, access to education was restricted to those who could afford it. Many immigrants immigrated to America to pursue their education, and they fiercely push their kids to do well in school. Some kids could feel stressed out by this. Meals are prepared and served by women, who may also eat apart from the family's male members. Traditionally, women are not allowed to cook while they are in menstruation. It's customary to use the right hand's fingers while eating. Hand cleaning is essential before eating. Because it increases the risk of a shorter lifetime, overeating is typically avoided.

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