Behavioral and Cultural Issues in Healthcare

This course explores how behavioral, social, and cultural factors influence health outcomes, healthcare access, and patient interactions within healthcare systems. This course examines the role of cultural competence, health behaviors, mental health, and communication in healthcare delivery. Students will learn how healthcare providers can address cultural differences and behavioral health challenges to improve patient care and health outcomes. The course emphasizes strategies for reducing health disparities by understanding the behavioral and cultural contexts of patients.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Understanding Behavioral Health in Healthcare: Students will gain an understanding of how behaviors, such as lifestyle choices and mental health conditions, impact health outcomes and healthcare utilization.
• Exploring Cultural Competence in Healthcare Delivery: Learn about the importance of cultural competence in healthcare, including how cultural beliefs, values, and practices influence patient health behaviors, treatment adherence, and healthcare decision-making.
• Addressing Health Disparities and Social Determinants: Gain insight into the social determinants of health and how cultural and behavioral factors contribute to health disparities, particularly among underserved populations.
• Developing Communication and Intervention Strategies: Learn strategies for effective communication and intervention that are sensitive to behavioral and cultural issues, promoting patient-centered care and improving health outcomes.

These outcomes aim to prepare students for careers in healthcare, public health, and health education by equipping them with the skills to understand and address the behavioral and cultural factors that influence health and healthcare access, ensuring more equitable and effective healthcare delivery.