Cultural and Social Perspectives on Steroid Therapy: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Multicultural Healthcare Settings
Awafung Emmanuel Adie
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kampala International University, Uganda
ABSTRACT
Steroid therapy is a cornerstone of modern medicine, widely used for managing various medical conditions. However, its acceptance and adherence are significantly shaped by cultural beliefs, social norms, and ethical considerations. This review explores the cultural and social perspectives surrounding steroid therapy, emphasizing the critical role of cultural competence and ethical decision-making in multicultural healthcare settings. Cultural beliefs, such as skepticism towards synthetic treatments or preference for traditional remedies, often hinder patient adherence to steroid therapy. Social norms, including stigma, economic constraints, and community dynamics, further influence perceptions and access to care. Healthcare providers must navigate these complexities by employing culturally sensitive communication, building trust, and addressing systemic disparities. Ethical challenges—such as informed consent, patient autonomy, and equity in care—are particularly pronounced in multicultural settings. These issues are exacerbated by language barriers, health literacy gaps, and historical mistrust of healthcare systems. Strategies such as cultural competence training, tailored patient education, community engagement, and policy interventions are critical in fostering an inclusive and equitable healthcare environment. Case studies from rural Africa and urban immigrant populations in North America illustrate how culturally informed interventions can improve adherence to steroid therapy and health outcomes. This review underscores the importance of integrating cultural and social considerations into steroid therapy practices to ensure patient-centered care. By addressing these dimensions and fostering collaboration between traditional and modern healthcare systems, providers can promote equitable, respectful, and effective treatment for diverse populations. Future directions include advocating for systemic changes to reduce disparities, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuously refining strategies to meet the evolving needs of multicultural communities.
Keywords: Steroid therapy, cultural competence, social norms, ethical challenges, multicultural healthcare, patient adherence.
CITE AS: Awafung Emmanuel Adie (2025). Cultural and Social Perspectives on Steroid Therapy: Navigating Ethical Challenges in Multicultural Healthcare Settings. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 10(1):9-13. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2025/101.913000