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Symposiums
      HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONVENTION 2017


             S13.2     Cultural Diversity                                        14:30  Convention Hall B

            Ethnic Minorities’ Health in Hong Kong within its Cultural Diversity
            Gurung S
            United Christian Nethersole Community Health Service, Hong Kong
            Introduction
            Hong Kong is a developed city with excellent health indicators for the general population. However, many from the ethnic
            minority community which accounts for 6.4% of the total population, such as the South Asian community,  are not  receiving
            full benefits of the system as a result of different barriers in acccessing healthcare service such as language and culture.
            Thus they tend to fall  through the healthcare safety net that leads to ignorance of basic health issues. Furthermore there
            is a paucity of local study regarding health issues of this population, though high prevalence of obesity, hypertension and
            diabetes mellitus is reported in overseas studies amongst similar population.

            Objectives
            (1) To improve lifestyle, reduce the risk of chronic diseases particularly hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease
            among ethnic minorities; and (2) to empower ethnic minority community with health knowledge and raise their self-esteem, as
            health is a resource for everyday life.

            Service Provision Methods

            (1)  Extensive collaboration with various agencies focusing on health promotion, evaluation, interventions, disseminating of
                information on good health initiatives and practices.
            (2)  Training people to engage in healthcare activities and mobilising the community to involve in all aspects of health
                activities through various channels of promotions and campaigns.
            (3)  Healthcare professional with public health training are involved in provision of service.

            Key Lessons

            (1)  There are still many ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, who ignore their own health and the services available in Hong Kong.
            (2)  Culturally sensitive health activities are important while approaching this community.
            (3)  Collaboration and support from organisations, community groups, religious affiliations, healthcare professionals and the
                community themselves are vital.
            (4)  Professional input is vital in evaluating and gaining trust from the community.
            Discussion
            The impact of sociocultural factors, ethnicity, and limited language proficiency on healthcare is increasingly important in the
            delivery of quality healthcare as it influences a patient’s perspectives, values, beliefs, and behaviours regarding health and
      Wednesday, 17 May  Culturally sensitive health intervention can enhance practice of healthy behaviour and health screening. Pure screening
            well-being. These factors give rise to variation in recognition of symptoms, thresholds for seeking care, comprehension of
            management strategies, expectations of care and adherence to preventive measures.

            is  insufficient.  Screening  must  be  followed-up  by  proper  medical  case  management/treatment/referral  and  have  a
            comprehensive reminder and recall system as an ongoing sustainable programme to reduce the incidence of chronic disease
            in this community.
            Conclusion
            Ethnic minorities are often undeterred by the generalised health service. There is a need to address the cultural need while
            proving healthcare service amongst this community and making Hong Kong a far more accepting society which embraces
            diversity to live up to its brand as a “World City”.



















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