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1)Increased diversity within a population brings its share of opportunities and disputes for health care systems. Cultural sensitivity and cultural competence ensure optimal health and human services are delivered even in minority populations. Policies, therefore, have to be put in place to ensure that the services provided are culturally sensitive and culturally competent. Observing the customs, overcoming the language barriers, and meeting the social expectations are ways that somebody can meet the competency. Cultural competency could, indeed, be a breakthrough in achieving health equity.

Ethnic customs and cultural beliefs affect how patients view health care. Without a proper understanding of the patient’s customs, cultural, and religious beliefs, the health workers may give advice that creates a conflict (Hernández-Cancio & Thompson, 2020). Therefore, the patient may fail to observe the instructions given for lack of synchrony between the health guidelines and their customs. Therefore, health providers should inquire about the patient’s cultural background before helping them maneuver their way into engaging the patient. In this way, a treatment plan that consents with the patient’s value is devisable. This only shows how incorporating culture into the health system can better improve the quality of service.

Language and dietary habits need consideration for optimal health care. Communication between the patient and the provider includes negotiating, planning, socializing, educating, diagnosis, and therapy. According to Plough (2020), the language barrier can be an effective form of discrepancy during this period. The provider needs to organize the communication in a manner relevant to the patient and express themselves better. Improving communication can go as far as the health workers learning the local community’s language where they have been allocated or even including an interpreter in the conversation. Local foods and dietary habits are essential considerations when coming up with a food plan. Linguistics and nutrition are critical determinants of health outcomes.

Cultural sensitivity and cultural competence play a vital role in the outcomes of the health care system. Such outcomes are affected by cultural beliefs, dietary habits, language barriers, and customs. Therefore, the health systems should integrate the local people’s culture and initiate health policies better suited for their people. This improves the overall outcome hence better quality of health care. 

2)The Institute of Medicine report defined disparities in health care as “racial or ethnic differences in the quality of health care that are not due to access-related factors or clinical needs, preferences, and appropriateness of intervention.” (Egede, 2006). Minorities experience a lower quality of care despite many efforts to eliminate health disparities in the United States. Minorities’ health issues have so many factors. Cultural sensitivity, cultural competence, are important for optimal health in minorities. The nation is so diverse compared to thirty years ago, and cultural competence services are in demand. The patients tend to be more engaged and understand better when there are no language barriers. Thus improving a better health outcome. They also participate in medical decisions. Dietary habits can affect minorities due to food insecurity. The lacking of proper nutrients can lead to certain diseases. Diet is a key contributor to disparities in many chronic diseases and conditions (Satia, 2009).  Training in cultural competence and sensitivity must be provided to the health care professionals.