Introduction There are many health disparities in America among the ethnic minorities. It is important to understand these disparities, and the underlying reasons for them, in order to improve health outcomes. We will compare and contrast the Hispanic/Latino health status to that of the general population in this paper. This paper will discuss the current state of health for this group and highlight the disparities in health, nutritional problems, as well as the socioeconomic and political factors that can affect their health. This group is known for its health promotion activities. We’ll also be discussing the care plans that use the highest level of prevention and health promotion.
Hispanic/Latino ethnic minority group Hispanic/Latino can be described as a broad term, which includes people from many nationalities and backgrounds. This includes but is not limited to Mexicans. The U.S. Census Bureau (2018) states that Hispanics/Latinos make up 18.5% or 60.6 millions of Americans.
Hispanic/Latino Health Situation and Health Disparities There are significant health inequalities in the Hispanic/Latino community compared with the national average. According to the CDC (2021), Hispanic/Latino adults tend to have higher rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension than other non-Hispanic whites. Their access to health care and insurance is also lower. Hispanic/Latino females have higher cervical cancer rates and less likelihood to get timely and proper treatment. Hispanic/Latinos have less access to mental healthcare services, making anxiety and depression more common. Factors such as poor English proficiency and cultural beliefs that limit access to care can influence these disparities.
Nutritional Problems The Hispanic/Latino population is facing unique nutrition challenges. The Office of Minority Health (2021) states that Hispanic/Latino adult are more likely than other people to eat high-fat, high-calorie diets. This can lead to obesity rates and associated health issues. These individuals are less likely to eat fruits and vegetables and have lower levels of vitamins A and B.
Barriers to Healthy Living The Hispanic/Latino populations face multiple obstacles to good health. There may be cultural differences, such as a preference or distrust for Western medicine. This can lead to delays in getting care. Hispanic/Latino people are more likely to be poor, which can limit access to healthy food, housing and healthcare. There may not be enough education to understand health issues and the treatment options. Sociopolitically, immigrants may have a negative impact on access to healthcare, and this could cause fear about deportation.
Hispanic/Latinos are known to practice health promotion activities, such as traditional remedies and natural medicines. Some may use religion and spirituality to deal with stress or illness. In order to promote healthy behavior, family support and the involvement of the community are essential.
The Three Levels of Health Promotion Prevention: Care Plans for Hispanic/Latino Population A comprehensive care plan should contain primary, secondary and tertiary prevention strategies. Promoting healthy lifestyles such as exercise and healthy eating to avoid chronic diseases is primary prevention. Secondary prevention includes early treatment and detection of chronic diseases.