Certain cultures experience higher rates of disease due to genetics or health disparities caused by environmental factors. Various cultures have their own traditional healing practices and beliefs, and many people still use these practices either alongside or in place of Western medicine.

Their culture informs how they view health and illness, how they view healthcare providers, and how receptive they are to treatment plans. Culture also determines who receives care and the quality of their care.

culture — set of beliefs, attitudes, and practices shared by a group of people or community that is accepted, followed, and passed down to other members of the group. health disparities — health outcomes impacted by social determinants of health that represent preventable differences experienced by underrepresented individuals. traditional healing — various medicines and healing practices around the world that differ from the modern, Western health-care system. cultural humility — respecting and learning about the cultures of others while exploring one’s own cultural biases.