Introduction
Health is a multifaceted interaction between different factors, which include social and cultural factors that play an integral role. This report examines and compares social and cultural factors that influence health and health services, specifically between India and Australia. The topic was selected as understanding the social determinants of health is crucial in addressing health inequalities and disparities. Besides, ensuring cultural competence in healthcare promotes effective healthcare delivery.
Social and Cultural Factors
According to Hamal et al. (2020), while there has been a decrease in maternal deaths globally, they are still high in many low-and middle-income nations such as India. Significant disparities have been observed in the utilisation of maternal health services, particularly among the populations created by socioeconomic divisions (Hamal et al., 2020). Such socioeconomic divisions have disadvantaged rural and poor mothers, leading to health inequalities in healthcare access. In India, gender-based disparities also persist and impact women’s health. Gender, especially the low status of women, with regard to decision-making and autonomy, as well as son preference, impacted maternal health (Hamal et al., 2020). Limited access to education among Indian women contributes to poor use of maternal health services. Additionally, gender norms that accepted violence against women affected maternal health status.
Concerning cultural factors, in terms of religion, Muslim women are more likely to deliver at home than Hindu women (Hamal et al., 2020). Various cultural practices such as Purdah, practised mainly by South Indian Muslims, restrict women’s freedom of movement outside the household and thus limit their maternal health services, primarily from male service providers (Hamal et al., 2020). Consequently, the early marriage culture in India also influences maternal health, as research established that women married at an early age had limited use of maternal health services (Hamal et al., 2020). Regarding family or household, women who reside in small or nuclear families had a lower use of maternal health services compared to those in large and joint or extended families.
Similarly, research related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations in Australia has traditionally positioned indigenous identities in deficit due to their inability to meet socioeconomic “norms” and standards of dominant cultures (Verbunt et al., 2021). Therefore, there have been notable health inequalities in accessing healthcare services among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. Family/ community is essential for health outcomes among indigenous people. Strong family ties, community connections, and social support have been determined to positively influence health, particularly among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (Verbunt et al., 2021). Further, Community Controlled Organisations contribute to numerous positive health outcomes for Indigenous populations due to flexibility and ability to establish collaborations with NGOs and government departments.
According to Verbunt et al. (2021), cultural identity shaped by country, community, family, and participation in cultural activities was determined to have a positive influence on the health outcomes of Aboriginal populations. Self-determination, as seen in their pursuit of social, cultural, and economic rights, reflected their empowerment to make decisions concerning their health and well-being (Verbunt et al., 2021). Furthermore, arts and crafts, writing or telling stories, dance, and music are various elements of arts-based cultural expression that are essential to the well-being of the Aboriginal population.
Reflection
This new knowledge highlights the universal significance of comprehending the social determinants of health. It is interesting to see the way various social and cultural influence health outcomes in diverse ways. Acknowledging such influences is essential in establishing effective strategies that take into account the unique needs of different populations. Also, the research underscores both disparities and commonalities in Australia and India. In both countries, community and family dynamics play a fundamental role in health; however, the dynamics and impacts differ. In Australia, Aboriginal people face health disparities rooted in cultural and historical contexts, while in India, socioeconomic divisions impact maternal health services. Moreover, the focus on self-determination and cultural identity in indigenous populations varies with gender-based disparities in India.
This research has enhanced my understanding and perception of life in Australia by emphasising the diverse cultural landscape and the influence of historical factors on health outcomes. Focusing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations has expanded my understanding of the significance of community ties, self-determination, and cultural identity in shaping health outcomes. As a result, this challenges conventional narratives and highlights the importance of acknowledging and respecting cultural diversity in Australia. Furthermore, the new knowledge encourages a more culturally sensitive view in visualising and implementing health services for Aboriginal populations as well as for the broader multicultural Australian society.
Action
Conclusively, the knowledge from this topic serves as a valuable tool for navigating the diverse societal dynamics and health landscape in Australia. Exploring the topic has equipped me with an improved awareness of the cultural factors shaping health inequalities within the Australian population. Acknowledging the historical and contemporary factors that influence the health of Aboriginal populations deepens my appreciation of the significance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare interactions. Essentially, this knowledge empowers me to approach future challenges in health with a refined understanding of the social and cultural factors that make up the healthcare landscape, promoting a sense of responsibility for contributing to a more equitable and inclusive future in my life in Australia.
References
Hamal, M., Dieleman, M., De Brouwere, V., & de Cock Buning, T. (2020). Social determinants of maternal health: A scoping review of factors influencing maternal mortality and maternal health service use in India. Public Health Reviews, 41, 13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40985-020-00125-6
Verbunt, E., Luke, J., Paradies, Y., Bamblett, M., Salamone, C., Jones, A., & Kelaher, M. (2021). Cultural determinants of health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – A narrative overview of reviews. International Journal for Equity in Health, 20(1), 181. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-021-01514-2
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