Allied Health Blog

Besides cultural differences, there are also ethnic and racial differences in the physiological response to drugs.  Pharmacology studies the influence genetics have on drug response. When studying at allied health schools, these should all be considerations regardless of what your professional specialization is.  For example, children with Reyes syndrome, which is liver disease, cannot metabolize aspirin because of genetic defect.  Likewise, a genetic factor in African-Americans makes them less responsive to beta-blocking agents used in cardiac and antihypertensive medications.  Asians have a genetic factor that causes undesirable side effects when given the typical doses of benzodiazepines (diazepam valium) alprazolam (Xanax), tricyclic anti-depressents, atropine, and propranol.  Therefore, a lower dose must be given.  The cultural background of the patient and the patient’s family can impact the administration of medication.  Cultural influences are learned values, beliefs, customs, and behavior.  These influences include a patient’s belief about health.  Some of these beliefs may be in connection with what healthcare can do for the patient, the patient’s susceptibility to disease, the benefits of taking steps to prevent disease, what makes a patient seek healthcare, and what makes a patient follow healthcare guidelines.  Some cultures and religions have their own beliefs about how to prevent and cure disease.  Herbal remedies are preferred by some cultures over traditional Western medicine and some patients continue herbal treatment even when a mild illness progresses to a critical level.  Healthcare providers can have different beliefs than their patients.  A patient may refuse any treatment because of the sole belief in the healing powers of prayer.  Cultural beliefs can also influence who makes the healthcare decisions for the family.  In most cultures, women are typically responsible for managing the family health.  However, in some cultures, although the female is responsible for providing and obtaining care, the oldest male is seen as the head of the family and the authority figure.  These things should all be considered when delivering health care to a patient.