Question

Explain Hmong fear and mistrust of Western medicine. In your answer,

define “non-compliance” and explain their history and context of

encounter, including the specific conditions that the Hmong find

themselves in the US.

Give concrete examples – at least 3.

Answer 1

The Hmong community belongs to the Asia and the South East Asian part of the world.These peoples in USA find themselves difficult in getting adjusted to the western culture.This forms a great concern when it comes to healthcare sector. The main reason is they are more traditional in handling the disease and more spiritual beliefs for getting sick.This creates a sense of mistrust among them that the allopathic medicine cannot cure a disease when it is caused because of evil spirit.To cure the person a spiritual treatment is mbv needed than the typical medication. The lack of knowledge in regards to modern medicine makes them fearful that technology can harm an individual and the healthcare professionals behavior towards them creates a sense of mistrust.

Non-compliance in simple refers to not following or sticking to the treatment regimen prescribed by a medical professional.

The main reason for this to be in existence in US are

• Lingiastic barriers:People find a greater difficulty to communicate because they are not aware of the universal language. So there are high chances for miscommunication between patient and healthcare professionals are possible
• Medical terms:There language has no specific terms for preach medical terminology, so explaining to them in single word or on a precise form is not possible. To explain them a simple term a larger and longer communication is necessary
• Experience in healthcare sector:These people were treated on a harsh or rude manner by the professionals die to their language barrier and lack of knowledge
• There always existed a greater difference between their traditional medicine practice with the western medicine triggering fear and mistrust
• poor acceptance of the Hmkng beliefs by the healthcare professionals created a conflict and lack of trust in them
• They feared to practice their culture when they were getting allopathic treatment.