Promoting Cultural Competence, Health Behaviors, and Professional Practice in Undergraduate Education through Peer Learning

Abstract

Cultural competence (CC) has been identified as an important skill for all healthcare and public health professionals, and it must be integrated into all aspects of health practice. However, few university and college health education programs in North America have included CC education in their curriculums. This article describes an organizational model that can be used in a health behavior promotion class for undergraduate health science majors to promote students' CC, as well as professional skills and health behaviors. The article also provides suggestions and a checklist for those who are interested in implementing similar programs in higher education settings.