Health and Social Care

Health and Medicine

The influences of the West upon the Chinese living in Northern Ireland have resulted in an acceptance of Western medicine. However, some individuals may still prefer traditional Chinese medicine, which addresses the relationship of the whole person with the environment and culture. Exercise, herbal treatments, diet and acupuncture may be prescribed. It is important to establish the individual's views on this.

Their use of hospitals is low, and the use of doctors is very low especially by women. A doctor of the same sex is preferred by most Chinese people - this is particularly true for women ( the same is applicable to interpreters). The Chinese will expect to be given a prescription and the whole idea of attending a GP for a 'check up' when not ill will be perceived as strange. They may not be aware, like other minority ethnic groups, that this service is available to them.

Diet

This is influenced by cultural beliefs with health being related to the balance of the physical elements in the body. 'Yin' and 'Yang' is the balance of the 'cold' and 'hot' energies within the human body. The Chinese believe that foods are important to 'heat', 'cool' or 'neutralise' the body and achieve a balance in one's health. A sick person should not eat cold food e.g. salads.

Rice or noodles are the traditional components of the staple Chinese diet. Meat, fish, cereals and soya bean products are the main forms of proteins. Tea is the common beverage. There are no dietary restrictions except for the preferred choice of the individual. Well-boiled soups are believed to cleanse the body and speed recovery. The older generation hold the belief that rice is the only staple food which can give them energy and vitality.

Fasting

No specific requirements. Dependent on the individuals' own beliefs.

Modesty

Open discussion about sexuality is 'taboo'. Same sex doctors are preferred.

To many, the Chinese often appear expressionless or 'faceless'. Children learn from an early age to hide their personal feelings for the sake of politeness, and to avoid disputes that could disrupt social harmony. To lose face is to lose one's dignity and in Chinese terms, we are human because we have a 'face' or reputation to protect.

Chinese women are comparatively shy and modest. They are more relaxed when being attended by a female health and social care professional. As with any patient/client, reassurance and explanation by health and social care professionals on treatments or procedures is essential to gain co-operation and trust. Fear is often generated through ignorance or lack of understanding of what is going on around them.

Women and Child Health

After childbirth, the mother may not bathe or shower for the first few days. A bedwash is acceptable. It is also a wide belief that the women should rest for up to one month and hence, she may be reluctant to go out during that period.

The birth is celebrated with gifts of red dyed eggs, chicken soup and new clothes. Money is often given in red envelopes to celebrate the birth of a child. A dinner party is held when the baby is one month old to celebrate the birth and this is often a larger scale party when the baby is male.

Most Chinese women prefer to bottle feed due to issues surrounding modesty and the almost compulsory inclusion of rice wines and ginger soups within the post natal diet – this will affect the breast milk but this does not mean that they cannot breastfeed. Women may have difficulty with breastfeeding because of lack of family support and language difficulties and may give up sooner due to these reasons.

Most mothers follow certain traditional practices advocated by older relatives. However, a practical approach is often adopted combining practices from both Western and Chinese culture. There is no age of independence and elderly parents have considerable influence over adult children.

The Chinese accept family planning devices and abortion as they now place more emphasis on the quality of the upbringing of their children. Family planning matters should not be mentioned in the presence of other Chinese.

Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplants

Generally, the Chinese have no objections to these. Check individual preferences.

Mental Health

Mental Health problems are often related to social and psychological stress and can be exacerbated due to financial insecurity and immigration procedures.

Funeral

As per Buddhist or Christian beliefs.

To have family present at the time of death is very important (particularly the eldest son).

Due to the absence of Buddhist funerals, most people have to use Christian funerals, and then some of them will practice the Chinese tradition in the graveyard and bring food, incense and paper money to offer to the spirits.

Some rich families may send the dead body to their own country to be buried there.

There will be a feast after the funeral and people who have attended to the funeral are invited to come along.

Health issues

Lack of information on health and social services in Chinese.
There is a communication barrier in terms of language and culture in contact with health professionals.
The Chinese Community consults their G.P. and use hospital services and dentists less frequently than the local population.
There is a concern about diabetes among the Chinese people.
Mental problems are a hidden issue within the community. Isolation, migration and lack of family support can lead to levels of stress .These problems are not always dealt with because of the fear of social stigma attached to mental illness and coupled with language and cultural differences which make it difficult for a person to access the services they require.
Chinese health beliefs and preference on alternative medicine.
Food is an important part of Chinese culture; rice or noodles are the traditional components of the staple Chinese diet.
A balanced diet is the philosophy of Ying/Yang.

Social Care

Staff should be aware of culture differences such as the dietary requirements of Chinese users and the traditions associated with giving birth.
Children and elderly people suffer most isolation because they are housebound.
Due to close-knit communities, immigration and cultural expectation, marital disputes and domestic violence are seldom mentioned.
Frail Chinese elderly who have no English strongly hold onto their Chinese culture. They, therefore, require flexible services to meet their cultural needs e.g. Chinese meals. They are also one of the more vulnerable groups in terms of the language barrier and they also suffer fear of racial intimidation and burglaries.
The Chinese community is relatively young in age and demand more children's services. Chinese families with young children face a lot of pressure in childcare.
Many Chinese parents have difficulties in childcare arrangements.The existing childcare services do not meet their needs because most of the local childcare facilities do not provide for evenings or weekends.
Some Chinese parents are not aware of the existing childcare facilities and do not know how to access day nursery and local after-school clubs.

Background | Festivals and Customs | Health and Social Care | Language | Religion

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