Final answer:
Cultural awareness in Campinha-Bacote's model refers to the self-examination of one’s own cultural background, biases, and assumptions to improve sensitivity and care in diverse healthcare settings.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Campinha-Bacote's model of cultural competency, cultural awareness is defined as the in-depth self-examination of one's own background, recognizing biases, prejudices, and assumptions about other people. This critical self-reflection is essential in the healthcare context, where understanding and respecting the cultural identities of patients can greatly influence the effectiveness of patient care and treatment. Moreover, cultural awareness helps healthcare professionals to develop sensitivity and empathy towards the diverse health beliefs and practices found in different cultural groups.