Medical anthropology in pediatrics: Improving disparities by partnering with families

Cultural health beliefs and practices often affect accuracy of diagnoses, health care delivery, and treatment plan adherence, which can lead to health disparity. However, the effect of these belief systems, and acceptance of health care provider recommendations is not commonly discussed. As the proportion of patients from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds increases, an awareness of these belief systems can help achieve better health outcomes. A provider who is flexible and can understand and possibly integrate traditionally non-Western approaches into their treatment plans may build a stronger bond of trust with their patient, thus building a bridge to better health and well-being.