The Hispanic ethnic group, commonly known as Latinos, is the largest minority population in the United States. Census data from the United States shows that this group is distinct from the other ethnic groups in the country. To be classified as a Latino by the United States Census Bureau, a person’s nationality, birthplace, or lineage in countries outside of the Americas are all relevant factors. However, in the twentieth century, the government decided to count Latinos as a separate ethnic group by the door-to-door census to gather the correct information, and in 1930. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze and discuss the Latinos Ethnic group by describing the current health status and the effect of ethnicity and race on health status.
Although its population is expanding, Latinos have become one of the greatest ethnic minorities in the United States. According to the census completed in the year 2000, a total of nine subgroups for the Latino population (Ortega et al., 2018). Cubans, Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and South Americans from Peru and Colombia are included in these subcategories. Central Americans from the Dominican Republic, Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador are also included in this grouping.
Hispanic communities as a whole suffer from health disparities. Low birth weight is more common in Puerto Rican children than among non-Hispanic white children, even though the Hispanic population has a lower rate of low birth weight than non-Hispanic whites. Asthma, HIV/AIDS, and infant mortality are also more prevalent among Puerto Ricans (Potochnick et al., 2019). Diabetes affects Mexican Americans at a higher rate than the general population. Compared to non-Latinos, Latinos have several health disparities in the United States. A health disparity is a variation in health status due to factors such as socioeconomic status (Delgado, 2017). In terms of health complications, Latinos have a higher risk than other ethnic groups and may potentially die as a result. This is because they are undervalued in terms of their health.
Additionally, this ethnic group has to deal with several dietary and nutrition issues. This is partly because many live in poverty, preventing them from accessing nutritious meals. Their eating habits are influenced by cultural norms promoting the consumption of cheap, readily available junk food, increasing obesity rates. There are numerous obstacles in the way of Latinos’ access to health care (Ortega et al., 2018). The lack of cultural awareness may be one of the explanations. This means that individuals continue to practice and adhere to some beliefs that prevent them from receiving health care benefits. This is extremely risky, as they could die as a result. The Latino community faces a significant nutritional challenge due to a lack of access to healthy food that is also affordable. It is inextricably linked to low income and is also associated with various health problems, such as diabetes and obesity, which disproportionately impact Latinos in the United States.
Despite the efforts to construct some excellent care units for Latinos, many obstacles still exist. Few Latino health care providers, a lack of cultural sensitivity, widespread health literacy, and an absence of Latino health research are just a few of the issues facing the Latino community today. Their race and ethnicity have profoundly influenced the health of Latinos. For instance, factors such as linguistic and cultural obstacles, lack of access to preventive treatment, or lack of health insurance can significantly impact Latino health (Delgado, 2017). Non-Hispanic Whites may not be able to communicate effectively with Hispanics seeking health care, resulting in poor health outcomes for the population. Inaccessibility to urgently required healthcare may be a problem for this group because some preventive care centers are far from their homes.
Social and political factor such as discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and handicap in the community makes Latinos unable to obtain health care. This has been frequent in the United States since they are distinct from other ethnic groups in terms of color. Because they are a minority group, they lack the power, and their voice cannot be heard because they are a small group. Consequently, social-economic factors have also hindered Latinos (Delgado, 2017). Due to their lower socioeconomic status, they have less access to high-quality health care than other ethnic groups.
This group’s health promotion activities are lifestyle responsibilities, physical activities and nutrition. For instance, to live a long and healthy life, most of the Hispanic community is urged to give up smoking or use strong narcotics like cocaine. A healthy lifestyle is essential to Hispanic Latinos; thus, they participate in various physical sports such as gymnastics, athletics, and acrobatics. To conclude, nutritional factors play a role in several disorders. Healthy eating habits for Hispanics include avoiding fast food and other processed foods.
For health promotion conditions to be adequate, the government should center its efforts on integrating all of the different cultures and doing away with any cultural practices detrimental to health (Ortega et al., 2018). One of the most vital activities a nation can undertake is investing in its population. The marginalized Latino population has benefited from the assistance provided by the Americans in the form of these elements.
The primary strategy would be the most beneficial method for the Latino population regarding health promotion and prevention because it would be the most effective. This is because it emphasizes preventing diseases before they manifest themselves (Ortega et al., 2018). This strategy aims to reduce the prevalence of the disease by empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
When formulating a care strategy, it is essential to keep in mind a variety of cultural norms and customs. They include their health attitudes, their religious beliefs about health, and their dietary practices (Ortega et al., 2018). Considering the cultural roles of women and men in a community is also a good idea. Understanding the differences in treatment for men and women can aid healthcare providers.
The patient-centered model is the best fit for the Latino population. As a result, the patient can focus on what they want. Another benefit is connecting them with the best-behaved service provider (Ortega et al., 2018). They are also attentive to cultural differences, making them ideal for Latinos. It is also relatively adaptable, which is great for the patient. In addition to being respectful and professional, the service providers inspire confidence in the patient.
In conclusion, since people who belong to minority groups worldwide are still humans, these people must be accorded the same level of respect and dignity as members of any other group. The government should ensure that their rights are honored, that they are recognized, and that they are included in the process of nation-building and even voting. This responsibility also includes ensuring that they can participate in elections. Most health problems Hispanic and Latino people face are rooted in their behaviors. This is the most effective strategy that met the thesis. For instance, specific health problems, such as diabetes and obesity, are best solved by changes in behavior.
References
Delgado, M. (2017). Social work with Latinos: Social, economic, political, and cultural perspectives. Oxford University Press.
Ortega, A. N., McKenna, R. M., Pintor, J. K., Langellier, B. A., Roby, D. H., Pourat, N., Bustamante, A. V., & Wallace, S. P. (2018). Health care access and physical and behavioral health among undocumented Latinos in California. Medical care, 56(11), 919.
Potochnick, S., Perreira, K. M., Bravin, J. I., Castañeda, S. F., Daviglus, M. L., Gallo, L. C., & Isasi, C. R. (2019). Food insecurity among Hispanic/Latino youth: who is at risk and what are the health correlates? Journal of Adolescent Health, 64(5), 631-639.