1. What are some of the factors that influence health behaviors among diverse populations? Provide at least three examples and explain how they affect health outcomes. (5 points) Answer: Some of the factors that influence health behaviors among diverse populations are: - Culture: Culture shapes beliefs, values, norms, and practices related to health and illness. For example, some cultures may have different views on the causes, prevention, and treatment of diseases, or may prefer alternative or complementary therapies over conventional medicine. - Socioeconomic status: Socioeconomic status affects access to health care, education, nutrition, and other resources that can influence health behaviors. For example, people with lower income or education levels may face barriers to obtaining preventive care, screening tests, or medications, or may have limited knowledge or skills to manage their health conditions. - Environment: Environment refers to the physical and social surroundings that can affect health behaviors. For example, people who live in areas with high levels of pollution, violence, or stress may have higher risks of developing chronic diseases or mental health problems, or may have fewer opportunities or incentives to engage in healthy behaviors. 2. What is the difference between health disparities and health equity? Provide a definition and an example for each term. (5 points) Answer: Health disparities are differences in health outcomes or determinants of health among groups of people who are socially disadvantaged or marginalized. For example, racial and ethnic minorities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and older adults may experience higher rates of morbidity and mortality from certain diseases or conditions than the general population. Health equity is the absence of avoidable or remediable differences in health outcomes or determinants of health among groups of people. Health equity implies that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their full health potential, regardless of their social position or other characteristics. For example, achieving health equity would mean eliminating the gaps in life expectancy, quality of life, and access to care between different groups of people. 3. What is the role of cultural competence in nursing practice? Provide a definition and an example of how nurses can demonstrate cultural competence when caring for diverse populations. (5 points) Answer: Cultural competence is the ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Cultural competence involves: - Awareness: Being aware of one's own cultural values, biases, and assumptions, and recognizing how they may affect one's interactions with others. - Knowledge: Seeking and acquiring relevant information about the cultures, histories, experiences, and perspectives of diverse populations. - Skills: Developing and applying appropriate communication, assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills that are respectful and responsive to the needs and preferences of diverse populations. - Attitudes: Showing respect, curiosity, openness, humility, and willingness to learn from and about diverse populations.