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