Module 3 Background: Global Environmental And Cultural Aspec

Module 3 Backgroundglobal Environmental And Cultural Aspects Of He

Read at least two of the following articles to learn more about the PEN-3 model as a framework for planning programs that consider cultural and environmental influences on health behaviors. Iwelunmor, J., Idris, O., Adelakun, A., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2010). Child malaria treatment decisions by mothers of children less than five years of age attending an outpatient clinic in south-west Nigeria: An application of the PEN-3 cultural model. Malaria Journal, 9(1). doi: Iwelunmor, J., Newsome, V., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2014). Framing the impact of culture on health: A systematic review of the PEN-3 cultural model and its application in public health research and interventions. Ethnicity & Health, 19(1), 20-46. doi:10.1080/.2013.857768 Naghibi, S. A., Shojaizadeh, D., Montazeri, A., & Yazdani Cherati, J. (2015). Sociocultural factors associated with breast self-examination among Iranian women. Acta Medica Iranica, 53(1), 62-8. Shahandeh, K., Basseri, H. R., & Sharifzadeh, Y. (2014). An application of cultural model to assess and compare malaria prevention among Afghani migrant and Baluchi resident in the endemic area, southeastern Iran. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 16(1). doi:10.1007/s

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Understanding the intricate relationship between culture, environment, and health behaviors is essential for developing effective public health interventions. The PEN-3 model, a culturally centered framework, emphasizes the importance of cultural identity, relationships, and expectations in influencing health outcomes. This paper explores the application of the PEN-3 model based on two scholarly articles, highlighting its relevance in addressing health disparities related to malaria treatment in Nigeria and malaria prevention among Afghan migrants in Iran.

The PEN-3 Model in Context

The PEN-3 model, developed by Airhihenbuwa (1995), centers on three interconnected domains: Cultural Identity, Relationships and Expectations, and Cultural Empowerment. By focusing on cultural practices and beliefs, it provides a comprehensive approach to designing interventions that are sensitive to cultural nuances. Iwelunmor et al. (2010) utilized this model to analyze childhood malaria treatment decisions by mothers in Nigeria, revealing how cultural perceptions and traditional practices influence healthcare choices. Similarly, Shahandeh et al. (2014) applied the model to compare malaria prevention strategies among Afghan migrants and local residents, demonstrating how cultural beliefs shape health behaviors in different populations.

Application in Malaria Treatment in Nigeria

The study by Iwelunmor et al. (2010) exemplifies the practical utility of the PEN-3 model. Their research highlighted the role of cultural beliefs and community perceptions in deciding whether mothers seek formal healthcare or rely on traditional remedies for malaria. The model's emphasis on cultural identity and perceptions helped identify barriers and facilitators within the community. For instance, the belief that traditional healers possess spiritual power often conflicted with biomedical approaches, underscoring the need for culturally tailored health education programs that respect and incorporate traditional practices.

Malaria Prevention among Afghan Migrants

Shahandeh et al. (2014) applied the PEN-3 framework to assess differences in malaria prevention behaviors between Afghan migrants and local residents in southeastern Iran. Their findings revealed that cultural beliefs about illness causation, prevention methods, and trust in health interventions significantly influenced behavior. Afghan migrants, often marginalized and with limited access to healthcare, relied on traditional practices and had different perceptions of susceptibility and severity related to malaria. The study emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive communication strategies and community engagement to improve prevention efforts among migrant populations.

Environmental and Cultural Influences on Health Behaviors

Both articles underscore how environmental factors intersect with cultural beliefs to shape health behaviors. In Nigeria, the environment's role in mosquito breeding and disease transmission is compounded by cultural practices that delay or prevent treatment seeking. In Iran, migrant communities’ socio-cultural context influences their health-seeking behaviors, highlighting the importance of environmental and cultural considerations in designing interventions.

Moreover, the studies demonstrate that health interventions that ignore cultural beliefs risk failure. The PEN-3 model advocates for empowering communities by respecting their cultural identity and leveraging existing cultural strengths for health promotion.

Implications for Practice and Policy

Effective public health programming requires understanding and integrating cultural beliefs and environmental factors. Culturally competent interventions can enhance community trust, increase engagement, and lead to better health outcomes. Policymakers should support training healthcare providers in cultural competence and incorporate culturally tailored strategies in disease prevention and treatment programs.

For example, integrating traditional healers into malaria control programs has potential benefits, as it aligns with community belief systems and enhances acceptance of biomedical interventions. Similarly, targeted health education campaigns that address specific cultural perceptions can improve behaviors such as early treatment seeking and preventive practices like mosquito net use.

Conclusion

The application of the PEN-3 cultural model in public health research and intervention highlights the importance of cultural and environmental considerations in managing health disparities. By focusing on cultural identity and perceptions, health programs can become more effective and sustainable. As demonstrated by the studies reviewed, incorporating cultural beliefs and practices into health strategies fosters greater community involvement, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes in diverse populations.

References

• Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (1995). Health and culture: Beyond the Western paradigm. Sage Publications.
• Iwelunmor, J., Idris, O., Adelakun, A., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2010). Child malaria treatment decisions by mothers of children less than five years of age attending an outpatient clinic in south-west Nigeria: An application of the PEN-3 cultural model. Malaria Journal, 9(1), 1-8.
• Iwelunmor, J., Newsome, V., & Airhihenbuwa, C. O. (2014). Framing the impact of culture on health: A systematic review of the PEN-3 cultural model and its application in public health research and interventions. Ethnicity & Health, 19(1), 20-46.
• Naghibi, S. A., Shojaizadeh, D., Montazeri, A., & Yazdani Cherati, J. (2015). Sociocultural factors associated with breast self-examination among Iranian women. Acta Medica Iranica, 53(1), 62-68.
• Shahandeh, K., Basseri, H. R., & Sharifzadeh, Y. (2014). An application of cultural model to assess and compare malaria prevention among Afghani migrant and Baluchi resident in the endemic area, southeastern Iran. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 16(1), 1-10.
• Yick, A., & Oomen-Early, J. (2009). Using the PEN-3 model to plan culturally competent domestic violence intervention and prevention services in Chinese-American and immigrant communities. Health Education, 109(2), 142-153.