Ethnicity: a group of people who identify with each other based on commonalities such as:
- ancestry
- social groups
- cultural traditions
- national experiences
The sub-topics are:
Cultural sensitivity
Prejudice
Social interactions & caregiving
Physical differences
Ethnicity may or may not relate to a person’s race, religion, or place of origin. It may affect how a person views a medical condition, and there may be community norms or assumptions that influence how a condition is managed.
Click on the buttons below to view the ethnicity questions and examples for each sub-topic.
Cultural Sensitivity
| Question | Example | Self-Feeding Device | Glucose Monitoring App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visually, what can be done to avoid an association with a specific culture, political affiliation, or belief set? | A device or app designed in blue with a striped background may feel “liberal” in the U.S. Something with geometric patterns may seem like First Nations cultural appropriation. | The customization of a device’s colour schemes may be important to avoid cultural bias. An eating device that uses Western utensils may not be adopted in countries that use chopsticks. | Colour schemes, icons, and images associated with the app will need to be checked for cultural bias. |
| If the devices will be used at set times, how can it be ensured that the timing would be considered polite? | If an app counted calories or carbohydrates and was used at the table, it may be considered rude for a user to be on the phone during a meal. | The device may be difficult for a user to move without assistance, which would interfere with using the table for other activities. | The app is meant to be used around mealtime, so the user would need to consider the social implications of using a phone at the table. |
| How does the assistive technology represent minority populations within visual representations of users (i.e. video instructions, pamphlets)? This may encompass gender, skin colour, eye shape, accents, etc. | Instructional pamphlets and videos don’t always use models who look like potential users in terms of race, gender, disability, etc. People with disabilities are overall underrepresented in advertising. | The web site and pamphlet show only the device itself, so there’s no question of representation among users. | The app could have choices for avatars that represent different populations, or allow a user to add a photo for personalization. Advertising materials should represent various genders, ages, ethnicities, etc. |
| If the cultural group has reason to be distrustful of medical professionals or other authority figures, what can be done to make them feel secure and comfortable? | Persecuted minority groups may be reluctant to give their personal information to an authority figure if they don’t trust how their information is being used. For example, a Hispanic American may be concerned that they are being targeted for immigration control. | More training and in-person support can help some populations feel comfortable with the technology, as can adjustments in the way a therapist communicates with them. | Apps related to social media may have more success with community-based cultures. |
Prejudice
| Question | Example | Self-Feeding Device | Glucose Monitoring App |
|---|---|---|---|
| What cultural prejudices exist towards people who have a certain condition or need? | Public opinion, which may be internalized, may affect a person’s use of the device. | The appearance of the device may draw attention to the fact that the user needs assistance when eating, but the device’s ability to reduce spills and caregiver effort may outweigh concerns about its appearance. | Use of the app may reveal the user’s medical condition to their dining companions. |
| How is the assistive technology compatible with folk medicine, superstitions, ancestral knowledge, or similar? How can you move past these barriers to ensure adoption of the AT? | A person of Chinese descent may be reluctant to use anything that has the number 4 in the title, since the number is associated with death. | N/A | Some cultures believe that there are herbal remedies for illnesses, including diabetes, and will be reluctant to use an app that contradicts their personal folklore. For example, traditional Indian medicine recommends bitter melon for blood sugar regulation, but there is no conclusive evidence that it is better than a placebo. |
| How can the device overcome the social prejudice of a visually obvious difference? | A restaurant host might struggle to find a place to put a large device. A large device could draw attention to a person’s disability. | The device could take up room at the table, or it might be difficult to carry from place to place. | N/A |
Social Interactions and Caregiving
| Question | Example | Self-Feeding App | Glucose Monitoring Device |
|---|---|---|---|
| Would the assistive technology require social support, and would that support be through a family/social caregiver or a professional? | A professional may be needed to adjust the tension or resistance in a therapeutic device, but other devices are designed so a user is completely independent. Many devices are able to reduce caregiver burden. | The OBI requires a caregiver to initially place the feeding arm at the appropriate spot near the user’s mouth. The caregiver would not require specialized training to do so, beyond what is given in the user manual. | A user may need to be taught how to use the app and have tech support available in case there were problems. A user would need to have enough eyesight and finger dexterity to use a phone-based app . The user would also need to be familiar enough with technology to install updates. |
| How does the assistive technology consider cultural expectations for caregiving or assistance? | In some cultures, it is assumed that a person needing assistance will be cared for by family members . Family members will have a very different level of training than a professional caretaker or therapist, and therapists may not be aware of their clients’ cultural norms. If a caregiver doesn’t know how to use chopsticks but the user eats with chopsticks, the caregiver would have a hard time giving assistance. | The OBI requires a caregiver to position the arm. This may require a user in an assisted living environment to schedule meals at a time when a caregiver is available. | Many users may need occasional assistance with understanding or updating the app. Some of the assistance needed could be time sensitive and affect the accuracy of the app. |
| How does the device adapt its functional ability to the cultural differences among clients? | Any given task may be performed differently depending on the environment in which it’s completed. | Cultural differences during mealtimes would mean the device would ideally be able to switch from forks to chopsticks, switch hands for cutting vs. eating, and assist with hand-held foods. | The app should be able to calculate the approximate carbohydrates in a wide variety of various ethnic and regional foods. Some apps are translated into languages but don’t address those regional foods. |
| If an app connects a caregiver and user, how could the app’s functionality be appropriate for both? | Language would have to be free of medical jargon for the user, but also be able to give a doctor clinically correct and useful information. | N/A | An app could be set up to send results to a caregiver or medical professional. |
| Who will make decisions regarding the use of the assistive technology? | In some cultures, individuals are solely responsible for their own decisions regarding medical care. In other cultures, family members or a clergyperson may need to be consulted. | Since the OBI requires the assistance of a caregiver, both the user and the caregiver would have to agree to adopt the device. | Most apps will be selected by the user, although some could be recommended by a physician. |
| Can results from the device be communicated to a medical professional? | Any communication between the patient and medical professional should conform to privacy laws, and most apps do not. | N/A | The app is able to send emails of glucose readings to doctors. |
Physical Differences
| Question | Example | Self-Feeding App | Glucose Monitoring App |
|---|---|---|---|
| How can the device be adapted to accommodate different (e.g., gender-based) clothing styles? | A device could pose a tripping hazard for wearers of long skirts or dresses. A device with Velcro straps may snag clothing made from certain materials. | N/A | The user may need to have a pocket for a phone, or a bag in which to carry a phone or tablet. |
| How are height and weight limits representative of an ethnic group? | Scooters and wheelchairs usually have an upper weight limit. Crutches come in different heights that are also adjustable depending on the user. Sometimes over-the-shoulder harnesses are too tall for short people. Height and weight averages vary considerably across populations. | The device needs to be adjustable for both tall and short people. The average height of a woman from Bolivia is 4’ 8”, but the average height of a male from the Netherlands is 6’0” so the arm needs to have a wide range of stopping points. Young children may be at risk of having fingers pinched in the robotic arm. | N/A |