A Study on the Cultural Competence of Community Health Practitioners

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the cultural competence among community health practitioners (CHPs). METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used with a convenience sample of 257 CHPs. Data collection was conducted with a structured questionnaire, including Cultural Competence Assessment. Data were analyzed by t-test and ANOVA with the SPSS/WIN 17.0 program. RESULTS: Most participants reported a moderate level of cultural competence (M=3.0, SD=0.41). Scores for culturally competent behaviors were high (M=3.4, SD=0.48) and cultural knowledge scores were low (M=2.6, SD=0.54). Those CHPs who were living with their family, were working in rural area, and had more opportunities to contact with multicultural patients and experience abroad showed significantly higher cultural competence. CONCLUSION: The findings support the need for future education and training to enhance CHPs' cultural competence.