HD Response

Reply to 2 classmates up to 100 words

Classmate 1: Diversity in health education design is particularly important because in order to ensure that health messages are accessible, relevant, and respectful to all people, regardless of culture, language, and socioeconomic status, we need to pay attention to diversity. These experiences resonate with the audience and contribute to good health outcomes and equity through integrated health education in a culture of diversity. For example, if language is neglected when health education materials are provided in English only for communities where many people may speak another language, all of this vital information is lost to them. For this reason misunderstandings can develop and health choices are not good. In visuals or examples, exclusion or caricature of particular communities can also drive those communities further away making them less interested in and less trusting the message. Finally, glossing over differences in literacy and socioeconomic status using complex medical jargon or assuming internet access will prevent low income or less-educated individuals from gaining health education, widening the gap. Using cultural humility and an iterative design practice, health educators can develop content that helps to build trust, improves understanding, and reaches different groups of people more effectively. In conclusion, putting diversity at the forefront of health education promotes better health equity and opens the door to better-informed health decision making for all people from diverse backgrounds. It is an essential step toward development of effective and respectful health communications strategies.

Classmate 2: Diversity matters in health education because people dont all receive or act on health information the same way. What feels clear to one group might be confusing, unrealistic, or even offensive to another. When we design education with one default audience in mind, we risk leaving out the people who may need the message the most. Health outcomes are tied to whether people feel respected, understood, and supported. In medical and public health settings, a lack of diversity awareness can worsen disparities and weaken the patientprovider relationship, which makes it harder to improve outcomes (CHEST Physician, 2024).

One common miss is language and literacy. If a flyer about managing diabetes is only in English and written like a textbook, many people wont fully understand it. That can lead to mistakes with medications, missed warning signs, and more ER visits. Another example is ignoring culture and daily routines. Nutrition education that recommends foods that are expensive, unfamiliar, or not part of a familys culture can feel out of touch. People may disengage, feel judged, or stop participating. A third example is accessibility. If education is only delivered through small-print handouts, audio-only videos, or in-person classes without transportation help, it excludes people with vision/hearing needs, mobility limits, or rural residents. The consequence is unequal access and bigger health gaps.

References

CHEST Physician. (2024, October 2). Advocating for diversity in medical education. American College of Chest Physicians. https://www.chestphysician.org/advocating-for-diversity-in-medical-education/