Provides demographic and cultural background on the Laotian community in Seattle, Washington, focusing on its experience gaining access to health care services. Part of a series of profiles of underserved ethnic communities developed by the Seattle-based Cross Cultural Health Care Program, this survey is intended to help health care providers offer culturally appropriate care. Written by and in consultation with members of Seattle’s Laotian community, this profile contains information about the history of Laos, including the exodus of hundreds of thousands of Laotians during Communist rule; the tribes, including the Mien and Hmong, that comprise the country’s main ethnic groups; the dominant religion, a sect of Buddhism; the size and places of resettlement of the Laotian population in the Seattle area; employment, family life, and local religious and community organizations; traditional health care practices, including reliance on herbal remedies and appealing to spirits; social customs concerningmaternal and child health; attitudes toward medical care, including the notion that traditional healing practices complement Western medicine; and barriers to receiving medical care, including the belief that mental illness is shameful. Also contains suggestions that health care professionals can follow to work more effectively with their Laotian patients.
