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Table 2 Language and Cultural Competence Items; Responsiveness of Final Year Students in 2015 (N = 142)

From: Towards a culturally competent health professional: a South African case study

Role of Language in SA Healthcare (N = 142)

Percentage

AGREE

NEUTRAL

DISAGREE

I believe that multilingualism is essential in SA healthcare

91,5

4,7

2,8

I believe that all healthcare professionals should speak at least 2 official languages

87,4

8,5

4,2

In my interactions with clients, I always respect their language

96,5

2,8

0,7

In my interactions with clients who speak languages other than my own, I attempt to improve my language skills

83,8

14,1

2,1

I use bi- or multilingual staff/ volunteers to interpret during consultations if necessary

83,8

10,6

5,6

Cultural Competence (N = 142)

Percentage

AGREE

NEUTRAL

DISAGREE

In my interactions with clients, I always respect their culture

96,4

3,5

0,0

I recognise that the meaning or value of health education and medical treatment may vary greatly among cultures

95,7

2,9

1,4

I accept that religion and other beliefs may influence how individuals and families respond to illness, disease and death

100,0

0,0

0,0

I seek information from individuals, families and key community informants that will help to respond to the needs and preferences of culturally and ethnically diverse groups

71,0

22,0

7,1

I use staff/ other volunteers to act as cultural brokers during consultations if necessary

63,5

24,3

12,2

I do not participate in insensitive comments or behaviours

90,2

6,3

3,5

I often respond to others’ insensitive comments or behaviours

31,1

41,3

27,5

I am aware of specific health disparities and their prevalence within local communities

78,7

17,7

3,5

I understand my clients’ cultural norms may influence communication, including greetings

97,9

0,0

2,1

I understand my clients’ cultural norms may influence communication, including eye contact

97,1

2,1

0,7

I understand the impact of culture on life activities such as gender roles

95,0

3,5

1,4

I understand the impact of culture on life activities such as customs or superstitions

78,0

17,0

4,9

I understand the impact of culture on life activities such as the use of alternative medicine

82,2

15,6

2,1

I understand the impact of culture on life activities such as the value of Western medical treatment

91,4

6,4

2,1

I provide services to those who are GLBTQ

94,3

4,3

1,4

Even though my professional or moral viewpoints may differ, I accept individuals and families as the ultimate decision makers for services and support impacting their lives

92,3

7,0

0,7

I am aware of the socio-economic and environmental risk factors that contribute to health disparities of culturally and linguistically diverse local populations

89,3

9,3

1,4

Responsiveness (N = 142)

Percentage

AGREE

NEUTRAL

DISAGREE

I would like the University to ensure that principles and practices promoting cultural competence are included in the medical curriculum

90,7

7,8

1,4

I need further professional development and training to improve my knowledge and skills in the provision of services and support to culturally and linguistically diverse groups

81,6

14,2

4,2

  1. Note: Percentage figures may not add up to 100% due to rounding