Page 16 - Hospital Authority Convention 2017

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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