What does it mean when a patient identifies with a specific culture?

When a patient identifies with a specific culture, it signifies a connection or belonging to a particular cultural group. This relationship often encompasses shared values, customs, beliefs, and practices that define that culture. Cultural group affiliation implies an individual’s recognition and acceptance of their cultural identity, which influences their worldview, behaviors, and interactions with others. Being part of a cultural group can impact health-related practices and preferences, which health care providers need to understand to work effectively with patients and provide culturally sensitive care.

Cultural diversity refers to the variety of different cultures and cultural identities that exist within a society. Cultural competence is the ability of healthcare providers to understand, respect, and respond to the cultural differences of their patients. Cultural adaptation involves the process of adjusting to a new culture while maintaining aspects of one's own culture. While all these concepts are related to culture, the identification of being part of a specific culture aligns most directly with cultural group affiliation.