Strategies for Targeting Health Care Disparities Among Hispanics

Abstract

Hispanics are the largest minority group in United States and at a great risk for poor health outcomes linked to poor access to health care. Their large geographic distribution makes it critical that the underlying factors resulting in health care disparities among documented and undocumented Hispanics be addressed at local, state, and national levels. Health care systems should establish community partnership for effective strategies to address these disparities. This article presents factors identified in the literature that contribute to health care disparities among Hispanics and provides strategies for improving access to health care for health promotion.

Health information seeking of low socioeconomic status Hispanic adults using smartphones

“…Our participants, 556 AJIM 67,5 particularly those with low education and over 40 showed a lack of basic skills to use smartphones, including not knowing how to download and use apps. In addition, consistent with prior studies (Daniel, 2010;Fitzgerald, 2010;López et al, 2011;Pena-Purcell, 2008), we also found some participants showed a lack of search skills and skills in evaluating the relevance and quality of health information. These difficulties indicate low smartphone literacy and health literacy among this group of users and suggest that, smartphone-based health interventions or services targeting this group should take these barriers into consideration.…”

Stroke and Heart Disease Prevention Education via Telenovela: A Focus Group's Evaluation

“…The ultimate goal with most health education is a behavior intent and or behavior change. There is evidence to suggest that Latinos connect to media and to interpersonal communication, such as through family, friends, and promotoras (LHA) for health information, and that health information is an influential determinant in promoting preventive behaviors and decreasing disparities (Balcazar et al., ; Daniel, ; Mier et al., ; Vaughn, ; Wilkin & Ball‐Rokeach, ). This study contributes to that body of evidence.…”

Applying Common Latino Magazine Cover Line Themes to Health Communications

“…Latinos are the United States’s largest minority group and bear a greater burden of poor health outcomes than non-Hispanic Whites, including higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, overweight, and obesity (Clayman, Manganello, Viswanath, Hesse, & Arora, 2010; Daniel, 2010; Duerksen et al, 2005; Polk, Cater-Pokras, Dover, & Cheng, 2013; Yancey & Kumanyika, 2007). Inadequate access to health services and information is one of the leading contributors of health disparities in the Latino population; additional contributors include limited proficiency in English communication skills, lower incomes, as well as cultural beliefs and behaviors (Ayala et al, 2001; Boulanger, Pérez-Escamilla, Himmelgreen, Segura-Millán, & Haldeman, 2002; Daniel, 2010; Duerksen et al, 2005; Elder, Ayala, Parra-Medina, & Talavera, 2009; Polk et al, 2013). Newly immigrated Latinos often live in metropolitan areas and lack extended family support (Dumas, Arriaga, Begle, & Longoria, 2010; Morales & Lara, 2002).…”

“…To help overcome barriers to health information access, translating health messages to Spanish in a culturally sensitive manner is important (Clayman et al, 2010; Dumas et al, 2010; Victorson et al, 2014). In addition, tailoring information so that it takes into consideration potential cultural barriers and accommodates lower literacy levels is needed (Boulanger et al, 2002; Daniel, 2010; Hackman & Moe, 1999). Health communication strategies that can increase Latinos’ access to useful information include creating custom publications, being sensitive to diverse cultural meanings when choosing words and phrases, considering cultural beliefs and behaviors, and understanding the process of acculturation (Ayala et al, 2001; Clayman et al, 2010; Elder et al, 2005; U.S.…”