Diversity And Health Assessments
Post an explanation of the specific socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors associated with the patient you were assigned.
Explain the issues that you would need to be sensitive to when interacting with the patient, and why.
Provide at least five targeted questions you would ask the patient to build his or her health history and to assess his or her health risks.
Case Study
John Green, 33 year-old Caucasian male, presents to the office to establish as a new patient. John’s natal sex is female but he identifies as a male. He transitioned from female to male 2 years ago. He has made a full transition with family and socially last year. He just moved back home and is unemployed at this time. He has been obtaining testosterone from the internet to give to himself. He has not had any health care since he decided to change other than getting his suppression medications through Telehealth 3 months ago. His past medical history includes smoking 2 packages of cigarettes per day for the last 10 years, smokes 3-6 marijuana joints every weekend (has an active green card), and does suffer from depression episodes. He is HIV positive for the last 3 years but remains virally suppressed at his last blood draw 6 months ago. He has been feeling very weak over the last few weeks which prompted him to move back home with his parents. He takes Biktarvy once daily that comes in the mail for free, tolerates it well, and 100 mg Testosterone IM every 7 days. His PMH is non-contributory. No past medical history. He has never been married. No significant family history. He is worried since moving back home and unemployed he will be a burden on his family, and he thinks his health may be declining.
Sample Solution
- Socioeconomic factors: John is unemployed and has been obtaining testosterone from the internet. This suggests that he may be struggling financially. He is also HIV positive, which can also have a significant impact on his financial situation.
- Spiritual factors: John is a transgender man. This means that he has a different gender identity than the one he was assigned at birth. Transgender people often face discrimination and prejudice, which can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health.
Full Answer Section
- Lifestyle factors: John smokes cigarettes and marijuana. These are both harmful substances that can have a negative impact on his health. He also has depression, which is a mental health condition that can also affect his physical health.
- Other cultural factors: John is a Caucasian male. This means that he is part of a group that is often privileged in society. However, he is also transgender, which means that he may face discrimination and prejudice.
- His financial situation: John is unemployed and has been obtaining testosterone from the internet. This suggests that he may be struggling financially. I would need to be sensitive to this and make sure that he has access to the resources he needs.
- His HIV status: John is HIV positive. This is a chronic condition that can have a significant impact on his health. I would need to be sensitive to this and provide him with the information and support he needs.
- His transgender identity: John is a transgender man. This means that he has a different gender identity than the one he was assigned at birth. Transgender people often face discrimination and prejudice, which can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health. I would need to be sensitive to this and create a safe and supportive environment for him.
- His mental health: John has depression. This is a mental health condition that can also affect his physical health. I would need to be sensitive to this and provide him with the resources he needs to manage his depression.
- What are your concerns about your health?
- What is your current smoking and marijuana use?
- How has your HIV status affected your life?
- How has your transition affected your life?
- What are your goals for your health?