疼痛只是冰山一角：理解中国患者对激素类药物的顾虑
In medical interpretation, one of the most delicate challenges is bridging language and cultural perception of medication and treatment.
Many patients with knee, neck, or shoulder pain may hesitate when offered steroid injections. In Chinese culture, steroids are often associated with hormones, and patients often worry about disrupting the body’s internal balance—even when pain is significant.
This hesitation is not defiance; it reflects a cultural mindset where long-term internal health is prioritized over short-term relief. Understanding this perspective is essential for interpreters, patients, and healthcare providers alike.
The Clinical Perspective: Why Steroid Injections Are Recommended
Steroid injections are widely used in U.S. clinical practice to:
- Reduce inflammation in joints or nerves, often the underlying cause of pain
- Improve mobility and daily function
- Provide short-term relief while the body heals or other treatments take effect
Doctors often explain that pain is only the tip of the iceberg—treating inflammation early can prevent worsening or chronic damage.
However, many Chinese patients hear “steroid (类固醇 / 激素)” and immediately think hormone medicine. They worry it will disrupt the body’s internal system (影响体内系统) or harm organs. Even when the doctor explains local use with minimal systemic effects, this association often causes hesitation.
The Patient Perspective: Understanding the Concerns
Chinese patients often prioritize long-term internal health over immediate symptom relief:
- They are cautious about anything perceived as hormone-related (激素 / 类固醇)
- They worry about disturbing the body’s internal balance
- Pain is often tolerated until it becomes severe
Recognizing this mindset helps patients feel understood and respected, which supports shared decision-making and adherence to treatment plans.
The Role of Interpreters
Medical interpreters play a key role in bridging not only language, but also cultural nuances. By helping patients express concerns clearly and assisting clinicians in understanding cultural priorities, interpreters:
- Ensure communication is effective and respectful
- Reduce misunderstandings related to treatment decisions
- Support culturally sensitive care that benefits patients and providers alike
Tips for Better Communication
For Chinese Patients:
- Express concerns explicitly: “我担心类固醇是激素，会影响体内系统” (I am concerned steroids, as hormones, may affect my internal system).
- Ask for details about dosage, local vs. systemic effect, frequency, and reversibility.
- Understand that local steroid injections are not the same as long-term hormone therapy.
For U.S. Clinicians:
- Acknowledge patient concerns before explaining efficacy: “I understand your concern about hormone effects on your body.”
- Emphasize local vs. systemic use and explain minimal hormone impact.
- Offer clear monitoring guidelines to reassure patients.
Consulting Insight
Understanding cultural mindsets is key to improving patient engagement and treatment outcomes. Healthcare organizations can benefit from training staff and integrating professional interpreters who navigate both language and cultural nuances. This not only supports patients but also enhances clinician effectiveness and overall care quality.
Conclusion
Medical interpretation is more than translating words—it’s translating cultural mindset and reasoning. Chinese patients’ hesitation toward steroids is often rooted in the association with hormones, not defiance. By understanding this perspective, interpreters, clinicians, and patients can work together to make informed, culturally sensitive treatment decisions.
Yun Silver Lining 