Work

Assessing Cultural Competence and Cultural Responsiveness of Healthcare Services That Promote Early Prevention of Childhood Obesity: A Scoping Review

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early childhood is a critical period to prevent future poor health outcomes. The modification of health behaviors in the first 2000 days of life is particularly crucial. Yet, obesity is increasingly prevalent in children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, demonstrating a need to provide culturally-tailored care to this population. AIMS: To understand the extent of literature that explores cultural competence and responsiveness of preventive healthcare services delivered to culturally and linguistically diverse families (CALD) in the first 2000 days and to identify gaps in the literature and key characteristics and outcomes in these studies that are associated with culturally competent and responsive healthcare. METHODS: A search strategy was developed, and five databases were searched. Title and abstract screening, full-text screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal were performed by two or more independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 28 included studies identified bilingual facilitators, language-modified materials, and educational resources as key characteristics associated with culturally competent care. Improved breastfeeding practices and increased engagement with healthcare services were identified as key outcomes. Studies involving healthcare cultural competence training were associated with significant changes in outcomes. CONCLUSION: Many characteristics and health outcomes associated with culturally competent and responsive care were identified in this review. However, preventive health services delivered to CALD families are still an area of research and practice that is lacking cultural competence. A multidisciplinary and community-centered approach is needed to improve health services delivered to CALD families and address persistent barriers to healthcare.

Source: Obesity Reviews

DOI: 10.1111/obr.13979

Authors: Zoe Chen, Sarah El Wazni, Erin Kerr, Huilan Xu, Li Ming Wen, Sarah Taki

Institutions: The University of Sydney, Sydney Local Health District, National Health and Medical Research Council

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Competency in Health Care

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,450