Date of Conferral

2-18-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

James Herndon

Abstract

In The Bahamas, the quality of care received by culturally diverse patients remains generally poor, highlighting an inability to adapt to the changing climate and adopt culturally responsive practices. The purpose of this quantitative causal-comparative study was to examine the relationship between perceived cultural competence of healthcare providers in The Bahamas and its impact on patient outcomes for the non-Bahamian patients they treat. The tripartite model of cultural competence grounded this study. The participants comprised 49 non-Bahamian patients from the public and private sectors. They completed the patient-reported physician cultural competency measure, self-efficacy for managing medications and treatments, and the generic medical interview satisfaction scale. One-way ANOVA results were significant for patient understanding, F (2, 46) = 28.46, p < .001, η² = .553. The results of the bivariate linear regression were significant for patient satisfaction, R = .427, R² = .182, adjusted R² = .162, p < .005. Cultural competence was not a significant predictor of patient adherence or treatment self-efficacy, but it was positively and significantly associated with patient understanding (R² =.366, p < .001) and patient satisfaction (R² = .182, p < .005). These findings suggest that although cultural competence may not influence behavioral or clinical outcomes, it contributes to shaping interpersonal outcomes. Understanding this relationship can help healthcare providers infuse cultural competence training into practice to enhance patient experiences and promote equity. The implications for positive social change include the potential for healthcare leaders to implement systemic approaches to integrate cultural competence in provider training and organizational structures to optimize patient care.

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