Importance Of Cultural Sensitivity Research Articles

Exploring Effective Approaches: Integrating Mental Health Services into HIV Clinics in Northern Uganda.

Integrating mental health services into HIV clinics is recognized as a promising strategy. However, the literature reveals gaps, particularly in the unique context of Northern Uganda, where factors such as historical conflict, stigma, and limited resources pose potential barriers. This qualitative study, conducted between October and November 2023, employed a phenomenological design. The study involved primary healthcare facilities across diverse urban and rural settings, focusing on healthcare providers, village health teams, and service users. A purposive sampling approach ensured diverse demographics and perspectives. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted, with healthcare providers and service users participating individually, and village health teams engaged in group discussions. Thematic analysis was employed during data analysis. Findings revealed a predominance of females among healthcare providers (18 of 30) and service users (16 of 25), as well as in VHTs. Average ages were 33.4 (healthcare providers), 38.5 (service users), and 35.1 (VHTs). Most healthcare providers (15) held diplomas, while 12 service users and 4 VHTs had certificates. The majority of healthcare providers (n=20) and 4 VHTs had 6-10 years of experience. Thematic analysis highlighted three key themes: benefits of integrated mental health services, implementation challenges, and the role of community engagement and cultural sensitivity. This study contributes valuable insights into the integration of mental health services into HIV clinics in Northern Uganda. The perceived benefits, challenges, and importance of cultural sensitivity and community engagement should guide future interventions, fostering a holistic approach that enhances the overall well-being of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the region. Policymakers can use this information to advocate for resource allocation, training programs, and policy changes that support the integration of mental health services into HIV clinics in a way that addresses the identified challenges.

The Perception of Cosmetic Brand Names among Saudi Consumers: Implications for Intercultural Advertising

As the global cosmetics market expands rapidly, the importance of cultural sensitivity in advertising becomes evident. However, certain brand names used internationally may unintentionally offend specific audiences due to linguistic and cultural differences. This study examines the perceptions and attitudes of 770 Saudi individuals toward brand names deemed inappropriate or provocative within the Saudi sociocultural context. The research aims to shed light on the implications for intercultural advertising targeting Saudi consumers. The findings reveal strong negative reactions to brand names with sexual references, with respondents using terms such as "disgusting," "shocking," and "shameless" in their descriptions. The study also highlights the impact of these names on religious and moral values cherished in Saudi society. The implications for international cosmetic companies targeting Gulf consumers include careful consideration of name translations and connotations in Arabic-speaking markets, involvement of local expertise in advertising campaigns, and enhanced cultural sensitivity training for marketing professionals operating abroad. This research contributes to the understanding of intercultural advertising and provides insights for improving cultural competence in English language education, particularly in the context of teaching English for advertising. By raising awareness of these issues, appropriate choices of brand identifiers can be discussed to benefit both businesses and target audiences.

Modelling the Purchase of Green Packaged Products: The Significant Impact of the West–East Cultural Context

Although a relatively recent phenomenon, green packaging has been the focus of extensive research aimed at understanding consumer perceptions of green packaging and consumer behaviours toward green packaging. The effectiveness of these inquiries, however, has varied. The current study has determined that the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) has had the highest level of effectiveness and promotion of scientific progress in this field. This study contributes to the research by combining diverse research endeavours regarding environmentally sustainable packaging. The methodology used initially produced only moderately sufficient fitting indicators. Nonetheless, the literature suggests that there are significant differences in consumer behaviours between Western and Eastern cultural contexts. The importance of cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural understanding in a global economy is highlighted by the disparities among consumers. By recognizing and valuing these diversities, companies can successfully encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging through the adoption of policies that take into account the cultural context.

Analysis of Legal Protection of Children in Cases of Underage Divorce in Indramayu

This research investigates the legal protection of children in underage divorce cases in the context of Indramayu, Indonesia. Using a mixed methods approach, the research analyzed the legal framework, reviewed existing literature, and gathered insights through surveys with legal professionals, social workers, and individuals who have direct experience in underage divorce cases. The findings revealed nuances in the legal landscape, challenges in implementation, and the importance of cultural sensitivity. Recommendations emphasize alignment of legal standards, improved support services, interdisciplinary collaboration, compassionate legal processes, and community engagement.

Fostering trust and understanding in social and healthcare services with migrant-origin parents: qualitative focus-group interviews of foreign-born mothers living in Finland.

Migrant-origin families may have a pronounced need for psychosocial support and healthcare services, but they face barriers in using services. To ensure the timely use of services, it is important that families understand how service systems work and trust care providers. Thirty-two migrant-origin mothers living in Finland participated in five focus-group interviews and shared their wishes for social and healthcare professionals on how trust and understanding can be increased. The data were analyzed with Qualitative Content Analysis. We identified six main themes related to the use of services and professionals' behavior. These were the need for professionals to justify and explain questions, to meet each family as individuals, the importance of non-verbal communication, the need to talk about racism and discrimination, the importance of cultural sensitivity in services, and a discussion of positive aspects of life after migration and children`s strengths. To foster trust and mutual understanding in social and healthcare services, professionals should be aware of potential cultural differences in family life, while avoiding pre-conceived ideas. Misunderstandings can rise from language barriers and unclear or intimidating questions. It is important that professionals explain what they do and justify why they might inquire about a family's personal matters. Working with interpreters is necessary when professionals and parents do not share a common fluent language. Professionals should also pay attention to their non-verbal communication and to being friendly. Finally, it is important to show interest in families' experienced hardships such as racism as well as their strengths.

EMPOWERING FUTURE FINANCIAL LEADERS: AN EXAMINATION OF PEER-LED FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS AND THEIR IMPACT ON FINANCIAL DECISION-MAKING AMONG NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Developing financial literacy in the early years of secondary education is essential for forming responsible financial decisions as an adult. Financial literacy is an essential life skill. This study examines how peer-led financial workshops affect secondary school students in Nigeria’s ability to make financial decisions. It focuses on how these workshops affect students’ knowledge, attitudes, and financial behaviors. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the outcomes of these workshops. The quantitative analysis revealed a significant improvement in students’ financial knowledge, with an approximate 25% increase in their scores on financial knowledge-related questions. Furthermore, students exhibited more positive financial attitudes, showing increased confidence in managing money and recognizing the importance of financial planning. Most notably, students displayed changes in financial behaviors, with heightened inclinations to save, reduced impulsive spending, and more prudent debt management practices. Qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into students’ experiences, emphasizing that the workshops increased financial knowledge and empowered students to make meaningful changes in their financial decision-making. Peer influence and relatability played a pivotal role in this transformation, underscoring the effectiveness of peer-led financial workshops. The implications of these findings are profound for financial education in Nigerian secondary schools. The study underscores the promise of peer-led workshops, the importance of cultural sensitivity, the cultivation of positive financial mindsets, and the need for sustainability in financial education programs. While the study acknowledges its limitations, including sample size and the short-term focus, it provides a robust foundation for future research in longitudinal studies, comparative analysis, cultural influences, teacher preparedness, resource-efficient models, and specific financial outcomes. In conclusion, this research contributes to the broader discourse on financial education by demonstrating the significant impact of peer-led financial workshops in Nigerian secondary schools. It highlights the potential for equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed and responsible financial decisions, ultimately fostering financial well-being and success in their futures.

Global Applications of Culturally Competent Health Care: Guidelines for Practice ed. by Marilyn "Marty" Douglas et al.

Reviewed by: Global Applications of Culturally Competent Health Care: Guidelines for Practice ed. by Marilyn "Marty" Douglas et al. Fung Kei Cheng, PhD (bio) Global Applications of Culturally Competent Health Care: Guidelines for Practice. Marilyn "Marty" Douglas, Dula Pacquiao, & Larry Purnell (Eds.). Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG (2018). doi:10.1007/978-3-319-69332-3. pp. 386. ISBN 978-3-319-69331-6, ISBN 978-3-030-09883-4, ISBN 978-3-319-69332-3 (eBook). Population diversity characterizes many countries, and diversified workforces have become noticeable on the managerial level, which affects the medical field. However, there is limited discussion of this issue from a health care perspective. This compilation, Global Applications of Culturally Competent Health Care: Guidelines for Practice, complies with the Guidelines for Culturally Competent Health Care endorsed by International Councils of Nurses to advance reductions in social inequality and the maintenance of health equity, and shares practical and clinical experiences in putting guidelines into practice. One set of goals of culturally competent care are to achieve decreases in hospital readmissions, length of stays in hospital, and revisits to the emergency department, as well as eventual improvements in health outcomes. Widely covering the Guidelines in its 10 parts (totalling 43 chapters), this book comprehensively elucidates the sophisticated skills used by health care professionals pertaining to their cultural knowledge, multicultural communication abilities, critical reflection capability, cross-cultural leadership manifestation, culturally competent health care implementation, allowance of patient empowerment, and sufficient training connected to these guidelines. It also articulates the importance of organizational resources and multicultural manpower in assessing the success of this health care model. Additionally, advocating research on culturally competent interventions, it promotes evidence-based studies that support the applicability of the Guidelines. The structure in each part contains a theory chapter and three or four case studies that exemplify cultural and social-structural factors, and subsequently propose culturally competent strategies for individual, organizational, and community-level interventions. In some cases, they also specify the role of human rights within a culturally competent health care system. This compilation highlights marginalisation within health care systems related to underserved (such as ethnic minorities and immigrants) and underprivileged (for example, the poor, sexual minorities, and victims of abuse) groups. In order to ensure extensive coverage, the authors of this book hail from North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, enabling the editors to unveil the afflictions and hurdles caused [End Page 1083] by health inequalities that exist commonly across different continents. In particular, one autobiography (chapter 37) narrated the experience of a girl born in Sierra Leone, and how difficult it was to become educated in the nursing service in a country where females are normally excluded from schools. Summarizing suggestions from the authors, this compilation elaborates on collective wisdom from various dimensions. A macro view associated with environmental factors contributes by not only providing a culturally safe context that reduces patient fear, but also providing culturally responsive community resources that ensure adequate patient supplies. Equally important, micro domains emphasise practitioner attributes and empowerment. The former requires a compassionate mindset and multifaceted skills such as humour, respect, empathetic understanding, interactive patient-practitioner relationships, cross-cultural leadership, cultural congruence, and psychoeducation. The latter allows for patient autonomy and informed decisions, as well as fostering collaborative engagement. In addition, alternative rapport is inseparable from supportive services such as peer groups and the buddy system, traditional medicine and healing measures such as adjunctive therapy, religious coping or spirituality, health advocacy, and financial assistance. All these aim at approaching an individual comfort level and generating solutions that fit individual needs (that is, individualized patent care). With its macro and micro analyses of social and personal factors, this book sheds light on the importance of cultural sensitivity in modern medical organisations. Awareness of cultural diversity reaches professional quality when it helps the practitioner serve patients best, both physiologically and emotionally. It is necessary for health care specialists to enrich their conscious and unconscious cultural competence as an integral part of their practice, and to be well trained in counselling techniques. Although this book attempts to embrace diverse cultures, it seemingly inclines more towards Muslim cultures and pays limited attention to Western and...

A Qualitative Assessment of the Living Donor Navigator Program to Identify Core Competencies and Promising Practices for Implementation.

The best strategy to increase awareness of and access to living kidney donation remains unknown. To build upon the existing strategies, we developed the Living Donor Navigator program, combining advocacy training of patient advocates with enhanced health-care systems training of patient navigators to address potential living donor concerns during the evaluation process. Herein, we describe a systematic assessment of the delivery and content of the program through focus group discussion. We conducted focus groups with 9 advocate participants in the Living Donor Navigator program to identify knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for both advocates and navigators. We focused on 2 organizational levels: (1) the participant level or the advocacy training of the advocates and (2) the programmatic level or the support role provided by the navigators and administration of the program. From 4 common themes (communication, education, support, and commitment), we identified several core competencies and promising practices, at both the participant and programmatic levels. These themes highlighted the potential for several improvements of program content and delivery, the importance of cultural sensitivity among the Living Donor navigators, and the opportunity for informal caregiver support and accountability provided by the program. These competencies and promising practices represent actionable strategies for content refinement, optimal training of advocates, and engagement of potential living donors through the Living Donor Navigator program. These findings may also assist with program implementation at other transplant centers in the future.

Barriers and Facilitators of Colorectal Cancer Screening Among a Hispanic Community in Michigan.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third leading cause in the USA for cancer-related deaths. Hispanics demonstrate the lowest CRC screening (CRCS) rate and research suggests that causes of screening disparities differ among ethnic groups and geographic locations. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of CRCS and to identify barriers and facilitators to screening in the Hispanic population of Flint, Michigan METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Consenting participants completed a previously validated survey in their language of preference. Variables obtained included sociodemographic information, insurance status, language preference, primary care physician (PCP), language spoken by PCP, recommendation of CRCS, acculturation, and fatalism. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between predictors associated with previous CRCS. Seventy subjects completed the survey. Overall previous CRCS rate was 60%. Multivariate results indicated that having a physician that speaks both English and Spanish significantly increases the likelihood of CRCS. It also indicated that those who have been living in the USA for equal orless than 30 years and those that physician had never recommended screening were less likely to have been screened. Our study provides important preliminary data that may help improve CRCS among this Hispanic population. Interventions include providing a list of bilingual physicians in the community and to educate them regarding CRCS to mitigate the lack of physician recommendations. Notably, this study highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and competence in preventive healthcare to promote inclusiveness of minority populations.

Medical Clerkship in a State Registration and Reception Center for Forced Migrants in Germany: Students' Experiences, Teachable Moments, and Psychological Burden.

Aspects of global health are becoming increasingly relevant for doctors of future generations. However, medical curricula rarely include courses which focus on global health or forced migration. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether students are at risk to develop psychological strain, after being confronted with highly burdened or even traumatized asylum seekers. This is a prospective study using a mixed-methods approach. We included n = 22 medical students performing a medical clerkship in a state registration and reception center for refugees. By applying (1) qualitative interviews, (2) reflective diaries, and (3) psychometric questionnaires, we examined the students’ experiences, teachable moments, and potential psychological burdens. In the interviews, the students emphasized the importance of cultural sensitivity during their clerkship. However, they also reported cognitive changes concerning their views of themselves and the world in general; this could indicate vicarious traumatization. The reflective diaries displayed high learning achievements. According to the psychometric questionnaires, the assignment in the reception center had not caused any significant psychological strain for the students. By completing their medical clerkship in a reception center, students were able to improve their medical, organizational, and interactional knowledge and skills. Furthermore, they reported that they had broadened their personal and cultural horizons.

Mental health of Rohingya refugees and asylum seekers: case studies from Malaysia

Rohingya refugees are one of the oldest and largest asylum-seeking populations in Malaysia. Yet, there is a dearth of literature in relation to this population and their mental health. Through case studies, this paper seeks to add to the emerging body of knowledge on the Rohingya. These case studies highlight the unique factors which contribute to mental ill-health among them. It also seeks to identify mental health and psychosocial support strategies that are currently being implemented to address the mental health needs of the Rohingya in Malaysia, the challenges encountered and possible ways forward. Key implications for practice The importance of psychological and psychosocial interventions beyond pharmacotherapy. The need for an multi-disciplinary approach. The importance of cultural sensitivity and cross cultural communication. The role of advocacy in complementing clinical interventions in developing sustainable solutions to addressing the mental health needs of the Rohingya.

Developing written information for cancer survivors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds: Lessons learnt

Australia is a multicultural nation with a large migrant population. Migrants with cancer report inferior quality of life and the need for more information in their own language. This paper describes lessons learnt from developing culturally appropriate written information resources with and for Arabic, Italian, and Vietnamese cancer survivors and carers. The information needs of survivors from these language groups as well as guidelines for the development of written resources for culturally diverse populations were identified through literature review. Community consultation was undertaken with focus groups. The content was developed and tested with health professionals who spoke the appropriate language and focus group participants, ensuring relevance and appropriateness. Resource design and dissemination were informed through community consultation. A number of key tasks for developing resources were identified as follows: (1) community engagement and consultation; (2) culturally sensitive data collection; (3) focus group facilitators (recruitment and training); (4) content development; (5) translation and review process; (6) design; and (7) sustainability. This project reinforced literature review findings on the importance of cultural sensitivity in the development of resources. Engaging with community groups and incorporating culturally appropriate recruitment strategies optimises recruitment to focus groups and facilitates content development. Stakeholders and lay persons from the intended ethnic-minority communities should be involved in the development and formative evaluation of resources to ensure appropriateness and relevance and in the dissemination strategy to optimize penetration. We believe the lessons we have learnt will be relevant to any group intending to develop health information for culturally and linguistic diverse groups.

The Place of 'Cultural Competency' in the Toolkit for Immigrant Integration

The purpose of this paper is to trace the evolution of the concept and practice of “cultural competency” and to explore its potential to serve as an organizing principle for policies and programs to integrate immigrants and their children. As some leaders and policy makers look for ways to “mainstream” immigrant integration, i.e. move away from stand-alone immigrant service programs, cultural competency -- understood as an approach to systems reform and quality improvement in workforce education, health care, and human services in general -- may provide an attractive solution.The goal of cultural competency in health and human services emerged in the 1960s as an outgrowth of the Civil Rights Revolution in the United States. The leaders of the cultural competency movement were concerned about inequities in the quality and availability of services and resources for Black and other long-established minorities. They also sought to validate minority cultures and harness the potential of these cultures to build stronger communities and empower people to achieve their potential. Over time, the cultural competency frame has been adapted to meet the needs of the growing immigrant population in the U.S. Several significant milestones along the way include the issuance of executive order 13116 by President Clinton in 1999, which led to the codification of requirements for language access accommodations, and the release of the first standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) by the Department of Health and Human services in 2002. More significantly, researchers have struggled to define the meaning of cultural competency and to develop standards for evaluating an organization’s progress on the “cultural competency continuum.” At the same time, there has been a significant shift away from an earlier emphasis on staff training, values clarification, and individual transformation to a new effort to identify the system requirements for cultural competency. Cultural competency offers several advantages as a framework for immigrant integration: first, it encompasses generations beyond the immigrant generation, hence incorporating native-born citizens into its reach; second, it speaks to the needs of long-established minority populations, such as Blacks in the United States; third, it expands outward to include other forms of diversity, including disability, class, and region; and fourth, it speaks to the globalization of contemporary societies and the importance of cultural sensitivity as a way of interacting with diverse populations. The paper will probe each of these advantages, as well as arguments that might be raised against the pursuit of cultural competency by “multicultural skeptics.” In summary, this paper will trace the evolution of the concept of cultural competency, give examples as to how it has proven useful in designing services for immigrant communities, and describe an emerging consensus on system requirements for cultural competency, as reflected in the revised CLAS standards issued in 2013 and in such projects as the “Finding Answers” program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which funded 33 projects to test interventions to reduce disparities in health care, many of which targeted immigrant populations in the U.S. The paper will also assess the utility of cultural competency as a strategy for mainstreaming immigrant integration.

Towards defining caseload midwifery in the Australian context

interested in using CAM, most lack the confidence and knowledge to advise them appropriately. The current ad hoc approach to CAM education limits midwives’ ability to engage with women interested in using the therapies and may undermine the therapeutic relationship. Midwives need basic education on the evidence for common modalities and how to refer women appropriately. They should also be equipped with the ability to seek out reliable information on a broad array of therapies and have an appreciation of the importance of cultural sensitivity regarding use of CAM. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of CAM use, there is an urgent need to enable midwives to support women to make informed decisions and to promote inter-professional communication across all pregnancy care provider groups. With the appropriate education and support, midwives can form an important link in a pluralistic model which acknowledges and respects different approaches to maternity care.

The importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness management of inflammatory bowel disease

The importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness management of inflammatory bowel disease

Promoting Knowledge of Cancer Prevention and Screening in an Underserved Hispanic Women Population

This article aims to measure the baseline knowledge of cancer prevention, screening, and early detection practices, to understand the barriers to cancer screening and sources of health information; and to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally sensitive education program in an underserved Hispanic women population. A total of 180 women participated. Pre- and postsurveys were administered. Multivariate analysis was used to analyze the impact of program on knowledge and to determine factors affecting learning. Results showed Significant overall improvement in knowledge of cancer symptoms (1.85 baseline vs. 3.67 postintervention, p < .001), knowledge of risk-reducing behaviors (2.71 vs. 4.81, p < .001); and effect on planned behavior (89% planned to follow screening guidelines). Higher incomes and younger age are associated with better learning. Major barriers to cancer screening were financial limitations and lack of knowledge. The intervention was effective in promoting awareness and knowledge of cancer screening and prevention. Programs aimed at reducing cancer incidence and mortality should recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity and facilitating access to screening tests.

Career Counselling in the 21st Century: A Reaction Article

This article reviews the articles on career counselling in the special edition of the Journal of Psychology in Africa. A thematic analysis to the content of the articles was conducted and common themes extrapolated. The main themes were (a) the shift toward postmodern career counselling, (b) the importance of cultural sensitivity in career counselling practice and (c) adolescents career development. This is followed by a reaction comment.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Motivational Factors in Kenyan and Danish Middle and Long Distance Elite Runners

This study examined similarities and differences in motivational factors and reasons for running between Kenyan and Danish elite runners. Participants were elite middle and long distance runners (distances from 800m to marathon) from Kenya (n = 139, males = 114, females = 25) and Denmark (n = 96, males =69, females = 27) aged 14–42 years, (Mean age = 24.3, SD = 5.6 years). They completed the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (Duda & Nicholls, 1992 in Duda, 1992) and the Achievement Motives Scale-Sport (Elbe & Wenhold, 2005). Participants also answered open-ended questions about their reasons for running. Descriptive statistics indicate that both samples show higher hope for success than fear of failure, and higher task than ego orientation. MANOVA analyses indicate that Kenyan runners scored significantly higher than Danish runners on task orientation and fear of failure. Additionally, Kenyan runners show more extrinsic reasons for running than the Danish runners. In conclusion, the present study documents cultural similarities and differences in motivational orientation among elite Danish and Kenyan runners. These results underscore the importance of cultural sensitivity in sports psychology studies.

Self-management techniques for bipolar disorder in a sample of New Zealand Chinese

Aims The aim of the study presented in this article was to consider how New Zealand Chinese with bipolar disorder manage their condition, regain and maintain wellness through the use of self-management techniques. Methods Nine New Zealand Chinese with bipolar disorder type I or II who had reasonable performance in role functioning were interviewed. Data analysis was guided by the inductive approach. Findings In contrast to Western psychosocial interventions, which emphasize the individual's independence, self-advocacy and self-identity, New Zealand Chinese are more likely to value themselves through relationships with others. Most participants emphasized the importance of harmony with self and others, and adopted passive and nature-oriented attitudes encouraged by Taoism to deal with life stress. Strategies of ‘taking it easy’ and ‘looking at problems in others’ shoes' were frequently used when dealing with interpersonal conflicts. Conclusions The concepts of health and life as part of traditional Chinese culture were found to be the fundamental elements influencing the participants' coping patterns. There is a strong need for facilitating the connection between health professionals and clients. This study indicates that to do this, health professionals must be aware of the importance of cultural sensitivity when delivering health care in a multicultural environment.

Breaking the barriers: Making ecotourism culturally sensitive in a global community

SupervisorProf. Dr. Marc BrosseauInstitution awarding the Ph. D. DegreeUniversity of Ottawa (Canada)Date of defence14th April 2009Goal and objectives of the dissertationThis study examines the evolution of ecotourism and the emergent 'cultural turn' in the ecotourism discourse. It is informed by antecedents who call for definitions and measures to assist ecotourism stakeholders (professionals, researchers, policy-makers, communities, tourists) to ensure that culture is not compromised during the ecotourism experience, that barriers to culturally sensitivity are identified and appropriate action is taken, and that sustainable outcomes result. The purpose of the research is to develop a contemporary framework for culturally sensitive ecotourism. Through consultations with a global network of ecotourism experts, key ecotourism tenets are identified, a cultural sensitivity definition is developed, and when integrated, they comprise the contemporary framework. The utility of the framework for assisting the ecotourism community to 'break the barriers' and operate with understanding and integrity, to be sensitive to local and Indigenous communities, to protect cultural heritage and living cultures, and by extension, operationalize sustainable development, is explored.MethodologyThis study draws on a comprehensive literature review, including the content analysis of academic and professional publications in English, French, and Mandarin, to trace the evolution of the ecotourism concept and to identify tenets common to the contemporary definitional discourse. It is complimented by the application of the Delphi technique and the judgement of ecotourism experts on the importance of cultural sensitivity (a neglected definitional theme identified through review and analysis) for ecotourism. Over the course of six months, 167 experts from over 40 countries were consulted and a consensus definition for culturally sensitive ecotourism was developed. The Internet served as the primary medium for Delphi administration.Theoretical conclusionsThe results of the research reveal an evolving understanding of the contemporary ecotourism paradigm and the import of cultural sensitivity in the cultural mosaic of the global community. Through the identification of key tenets, the development of a consensus definition for cultural sensitivity, and the integration of these key results, a contemporary framework for culturally sensitive ecotourism are introduced. The framework is conceptual by design and its utility for 'genuine' and 'culturally sensitive' ecotourism evaluation has yet to be assessed. The framework embodies the transformative capacity of ecotourism, it captures salient themes and issues, and it contains an embedded mechanism for cultural sensitivity in the global community.Practical application of the dissertationAs ecotourism continues to expand into increasingly remote and sensitive natural and cultural areas, guidance is required to ensure that ecotourism delivers sustainable ends. …