The USA Hispanic population is extremely vast, which has drawn attention to its health problems. About 55 million Hispanic representatives live in the US, which is more than 17% of the country’s population (Velasco-Mondragon et al., 2016, p. 1). As with any other ethnic minority, their community is shaped by specific factors that also affect individuals’ lives and their health. Thus, it is essential to emphasize the cultural background and beliefs to provide quality care for Hispano-American patients.
Hispanics in the United States are exposed to specific socio-economic aspects that affect their health. Factors such as income, background, employment, and cultural environment contribute to inequities in health. For Hispanic people, access to health care is often difficult due to low economic well-being or cultural beliefs (Velasco-Mondragon et al., 2016). Velasco-Mondragon et al. (2016) also report such a phenomenon specific for the ethnic minority as “the Hispanic mortality paradox” (p. 17). The term refers to the fact that newcomers to Hispanics or first-generation Hispanic-Americans have lower mortality rates and higher health levels than indigenous community members. The reason may be that migrants experience less environmental and economic stress than those living in the territory. Moreover, Hispanics who have not received documents often leave the country in case of illness, which lowers the statistical indicators. However, researchers note an increased susceptibility of USA Hispanics to diabetes and liver disease (Velasco-Mondragon et al., 2016). Nevertheless, despite reduced access to health care, the cultural beliefs of the ethnic minority also have an impact on the way they care for these patients.
To provide quality care for Hispanic patients, healthcare professionals need to understand their cultural backgrounds. According to statistics, members of the ethnic minority are underrepresented among medical professionals, which complicates communication (Velasco-Mondragon et al., 2016). Therefore, patients often report the necessity for doctors and nurses willing to learn more about their culture adapting provide care to cultural features (Bridges & Anastasia, 2016). One of them is atypical models of attitudes and interactions with health care based on cultural aspirations. Researchers report that Hispanic patients are prone to self-prescription and self-care (Bridges & Anastasia, 2016). The special role of the family in the community makes people rely on home treatment. Hispanic patients also report feelings of vulnerability and helplessness interacting with a health care system, primarily due to language barriers and fear of discrimination (Bridges & Anastasia, 2016). Thus, Hispanic patients must have a sense of care for them, as in a family, as well as respect and understanding from the medical staff.
To provide quality care, nurses and doctors need to consider the cultural features described above. First of all, it is necessary to realize that Hispanic patients need care not only from a physiological but also from a psychological perspective, expressed in understanding and respecting their culture (Johnson & Farquharson, 2019). Thus, healthcare professionals need to ensure clear communication from both sides, which requires translators. The patient should acquire an understanding of the whole process of assisting to feel confident. It is also important to consult with the entire family, as it is central for Hispanic people (Johnson & Farquharson, 2019). Therefore, improved observation and listening skills can ensure better communication between the patient and health care providers. Thus, culturally respectful treatment can make healthcare for Hispanic people less stressful and more common, lowering the risk of chronic illness and improving the community’s overall health.
References
Bridges, A. J., & Anastasia, E. A. (2016). Enhancing and improving treatment engagement with Hispanic patients. In L. Benuto, & W. O’Donohue (Eds.), Enhancing behavioral health in Latino populations (pp. 125-143). Springer.
Johnson, M. J., & Farquharson, H. R. (2019). Hispanic culture and healthcare in the United States: one person’s perspective. Journal of Nursing Research and Practice, 3(4), 1−2. Web.
Velasco-Mondragon, E., Jimenez, A., Palladino-Davis, A. G., Davis, D., & Escamilla-Cejudo, J. A. (2016). Hispanic health in the USA: A scoping review of the literature. Public Health Reviews, 37, 31. Web.