Cultural humility is a concept that emphasizes self-reflection and ongoing learning about patients’ cultures. It is argued that cultural humility is more appropriate than cultural competency because it acknowledges the limitations of medical knowledge (Prasad et.al., 2016). Cultural humility can be fostered through activities like reading literature and engaging in group discussions. The article concludes by calling for more research on the effectiveness of cultural humility training. Cultural humility is an ongoing process that requires healthcare providers to be aware of how people’s culture can impact their health behaviors. This awareness can then be used to cultivate sensitive approaches in treating patients. Therefore, cultural humility is necessary in order to provide the best care possible but I also believe that Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) can be just as useful.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the non-medical factors that powerfully shape our health outcomes. These include where we live, our income, educational opportunities, access to healthcare, and the quality of our social connections. Research demonstrates that SDOH like poverty, food insecurity, unstable housing, and unsafe neighborhoods all contribute to poorer health. These factors influence our choices, limit access to vital resources, and cause chronic stress, leading to increased risk of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues (OASH, 2024) .
Understanding SDOH is essential for providing truly equitable healthcare. Healthcare providers must move beyond treating symptoms alone, recognizing that a patient’s ZIP code can sometimes be as important as their genetic code. By screening for social needs and connecting patients with appropriate resources, we can begin to dismantle the systemic barriers to health and well-being. Ultimately, addressing SDOH requires a multi-sector approach, through partnerships between healthcare, social services, and policy advocacy aimed at targeting the root causes of health inequities.
Prasad, S. J., Nair, P., Gadhvi, K., Barai, I., Danish, H. S., & Philip, A. B. (2016). Cultural humility: treating the patient, not the illness. Medical education online, 21, 30908. https://doi.org/10.3402/meo.v21.30908
OASH. (2024). Social Determinants of Health. Retrieved from https://health.gov/healthypeople/priority-areas/social-determinants-health