Hmong health beliefs and experiences in the Western Health Care System
Author(s):
Johnson, Sharon K.
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Journal Of Transcultural Nursing, Volume 13, Issue 2 (2002-04). pp. 126-132.
Language:
English
Abstract:
This ethnographic study was conducted to determine Hmong perspectives and beliefs that influence the Hmong experience in Western medical situations. The Hmong are a hill tribe from the mountainous areas of Laos, many of whom immigrated to the US following the Vietnam War. Hmong perspectives regarding the body as well as descriptions of Hmong experiences within the American medical system were explored using participant observation and interviews over a 2-yr time frame. Two focus groups (one exclusively with women, one exclusively with men) were conducted to confirm findings. Data indicates that the Hmong language lacks terms that translate bio-medical body physiology and anatomy. Medical terms and diagnoses lack direct translation and require extensive nondirect terms to approximate meaning. Differences between Hmong traditional beliefs and Western biomedical beliefs create a lack of understanding. Negative health care experiences result in Hmong community members' mistrust and fear of Western medicine. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)