You work for your local community health clinic.
In this role, you see a large number of people who have lived through, lived with, or have a family member who has experienced historical trauma. How will you inform the employees about working with this type of population? You will create a newsletter to distribute to the staff to inform them about the historical trauma model for two of the following populations:
- African Americans
- American Indians
- Japanese Americans
- Holocaust survivors
- Refugees
- Immigrants
For this assignment:
- Select two of the populations listed above.
- Explain how the historical trauma model can be useful in public health.
- Detail the cultural vulnerabilities for each population in relation to the historical trauma model.
- Describe how public health personnel can understand more about their patients’ cultures so that they can be better prepared to help with patient needs.
- Use APA (6th ed.) format to cite your sources. Integrate your sources into the paragraphs and use internal citations pointing to evidence in the literature and supporting your ideas. You will need to include a reference page listing those sources.
Please note, this example’s content does not relate to this assignment. This is for visual help only.
See the rubric for specific grading criteria.
Due: Sunday, 11:59 p.m. (Pacific time)
Points: 125
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This newsletter aims to inform public health personnel about the historical trauma model for two populations; African Americans and Japanese Americans. The historical trauma model is a useful tool in public health as it provides insight into the role of historical events in shaping the experiences, attitudes, and beliefs of individuals and communities regarding health. It also helps health personnel to understand the cultural vulnerabilities of these populations in relation to historical trauma.
1. Explain how the historical trauma model can be useful in public health.
The historical trauma model states that individuals and communities who have experienced historical events such as wars, colonization, slavery, and genocide suffer negative impacts on their physical and mental health, social and cultural institutions, and ways of life. The model is useful in public health because it helps to explain how historical events may influence individuals’ and communities’ attitudes towards and utilization of healthcare services. Furthermore, understanding historical trauma highlights the intergenerational effects of certain events, enabling public health personnel to develop intervention strategies tailored to the unique needs of specific populations.
2. Detail the cultural vulnerabilities for each population in relation to the historical trauma model.
African Americans have experienced a long history of institutionalized racism, slavery, and segregation, leading to a profound mistrust of healthcare systems and Providers. This mistrust has resulted in difficulties managing chronic diseases, noncompliance with medical recommendations, and fear of medical experimentation. Japanese Americans, on the other hand, suffered internment during World War II, which led to stress, trauma, and loss of social support networks. The experience was especially difficult for first-generation Japanese American immigrants who faced language and cultural barriers in accessing healthcare services. Consequently, they may suffer from untreated chronic illnesses and mental health conditions, poverty, and social isolation.
3. Describe how public health personnel can understand more about their patients’ cultures so that they can be better prepared to help with patient needs.
Public health personnel can take culturally humble approaches to understand their patients’ cultures. They can start by acknowledging and respecting cultural differences and developing a trusting relationship with their patients. They can also take the time to learn about their patients’ unique health perspectives, attitudes towards illness, and treatment expectations through effective communication and through engagement with trusted community leaders. Public health personnel can also develop culturally sensitive policies and interventions that take into consideration the social, economic, and cultural factors that affect the health of their patients.
In conclusion, understanding the impact of historical trauma on populations such as African Americans and Japanese Americans is crucial in providing culturally sensitive healthcare services. Public health personnel can use the historical trauma model to develop policies and interventions tailored to the unique needs of specific populations, which can improve health outcomes and reduce disparities.
