Does culture have reltaionship to health service utilization ? If so Why?

Yes. Check these articles for information.

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1402387

http://www.thebody.com/content/world/art51155.html

Well I don't know a whole lot about this topic, but culture does play a role because certain cultures and religions forbid or limit people from seeking medical help.

Culture also plays a role in the type of medical care utilized. For example, the native americans have a more homeopathic or naturalistic way of addressing health care through herbal medicines.

Yes, culture does have a relationship to health service utilization. Culture is a complex set of beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors shared by a group of people. It influences the way individuals perceive and navigate the healthcare system and shapes their attitudes towards seeking and using healthcare services.

Here's an explanation of why culture impacts health service utilization:

1. Beliefs and norms: Cultural beliefs and norms can influence individuals' health-seeking behaviors. For example, some cultures may prioritize traditional healing practices or home remedies over modern medicine. This can lead to lower utilization of formal healthcare services.

2. Language and communication: Language barriers can hinder access to healthcare services. If individuals can't communicate effectively with healthcare providers, they may be less likely to seek care or understand healthcare information.

3. Trust and familiarity: Cultural factors can affect trust in healthcare providers and institutions. Some communities may have a history of negative experiences or discrimination in healthcare, which can create distrust and discourage utilization of services.

4. Stigma and taboo: Certain health conditions or topics may be stigmatized in specific cultures, making individuals hesitant to seek care or openly discuss their health concerns.

5. Family and community dynamics: Cultural values may prioritize collective decision-making or rely on family and community support in healthcare decisions. This can influence individuals' preferences and choices regarding healthcare utilization.

To better understand the relationship between culture and health service utilization, researchers and healthcare providers need to consider cultural nuances, provide culturally sensitive care, and ensure healthcare services are accessible and tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals from different cultural backgrounds.