Research Article
The Role of Collectivist Culture in the Communication between Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Patients on Medical Center at Papua Indonesia: Ethnographic Case Study
@INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.2-11-2024.2354568, author={Shinta Lukito}, title={The Role of Collectivist Culture in the Communication between Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Patients on Medical Center at Papua Indonesia: Ethnographic Case Study}, proceedings={Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Psychology and Health Issues, ICoPHI 2024, 2 November 2024, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia}, publisher={EAI}, proceedings_a={ICOPHI}, year={2025}, month={2}, keywords={cultural influence on health perception; healthcare and cultural sensitivity; cross-cultural health communication; indigenous health perspectives; collectivist culture}, doi={10.4108/eai.2-11-2024.2354568} }- Shinta Lukito
Year: 2025
The Role of Collectivist Culture in the Communication between Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Patients on Medical Center at Papua Indonesia: Ethnographic Case Study
ICOPHI
EAI
DOI: 10.4108/eai.2-11-2024.2354568
Abstract
Many indigenous Papuans lack awareness of maternal and fetal health, leading to delayed medical care as they await decisions from extended family, a reflection of the region's strong collectivist culture. This study examines how collectivist values affect interactions between obstetrician-gynecologists and indigenous Papuan patients in a remote regency with limited healthcare access. Using a sociocultural ethnographic case study approach, the research involved in-depth interviews with one doctor and three indigenous Papuan patients at a local medical center. Findings suggest that healthcare providers should adopt patient-centered communication and a holistic care approach to build trust among patients and their families. Intercultural challenges—such as language barriers, educational disparities, and differences in verbal and nonverbal communication norms—pose significant obstacles. Addressing these barriers is crucial for improving patient outcomes in culturally diverse settings.
