Breaking down cultural barriers to deliver AIDS message
Physicians who see patients from different cultural backgrounds can play an important role in AIDS education and prevention. Here are some tips on ways to break down cultural barriers.
Andrea Gilpin, Caribbean Women Against AIDS, Toronto: "[When patients are leery about discussing their sexuality] you have to work hard to build up a trusting relationship. You have to let people know that you're real, that you've got some problems too. Let them know that your furnace died in the middle of the night, that your roof leaks, that you got hives once as a side effect of some medication, that your kid is sick and you're worried."
Lorne Izzard, Black Outreach Program, AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia: "In dealing with people from ethnoracially diverse communities, physicians have to be very open minded, nonjudgemental and willing to educate themselves on the issues. Don't hesitate to call AIDS organizations for help or referrals. In your offices display AIDS information among other health-promotion material and make sure these materials are divers and show aboriginals and people of colour."
Sukhi Chahal, Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention, Toronto: "Education will only work if [patients] feel comfortable and see that you have some knowledge of their cultural beliefs, practices and attitudes. For example, if a physician has a large South Asian load, then it might be helpful to have a travel poster from India or Pakistan on the wall. Something as simple as that could go a long way."
