nrs 429vn health promotion in minority populations essay

In the United States, cultural diversity is a defining characteristic, and among the various ethnic minority groups, Hispanics represent one of the largest. This paper will analyze the health status of Hispanics, focusing on their unique health challenges, disparities, and cultural factors that influence their health. The paper will also explore effective health promotion strategies tailored to the needs of the Hispanic population.

Description of the Hispanic Minority Group:

Hispanic Americans are a diverse group with origins in Latin America, including countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and various Central and South American nations. They share a rich cultural heritage and language but can also exhibit significant variations in traditions and beliefs based on their country of origin.

Current Health Status of Hispanics:

Race and ethnicity play a pivotal role in shaping the health status of Hispanics. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (2021), Hispanics face several health challenges, including higher rates of heart disease, cancer, accidental injuries, strokes, and obesity compared to the national average. These disparities can be attributed to a combination of genetic factors, social determinants, and cultural practices.

Health Disparities:

Health disparities among Hispanics are pronounced and multifaceted. These disparities result from socioeconomic inequalities, limited access to healthcare, and social determinants such as residential racial segregation and poverty (National Institute of Health, 2021). Economic hardships, language barriers, and cultural factors can contribute to reduced access to care and preventive services.

Nutritional Challenges:

Nutritional challenges among Hispanics are prevalent due to cultural practices and the importance of family gatherings with abundant, calorie-dense meals. Obesity rates are higher among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites, and physical inactivity is common (CDC, 2021). Cultural norms that equate being overweight with health can hinder healthy lifestyle choices.

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Barriers to Health:

Barriers to health for Hispanics encompass cultural, socioeconomic, educational, and sociopolitical factors. Limited English proficiency, economic pressures, and cultural expectations can prevent timely healthcare access. Discrimination and disparities in healthcare delivery can further exacerbate these barriers.

Health Promotion Activities:

Hispanics may not frequently engage in health promotion activities. However, promoting health within the Hispanic community should take into account cultural factors such as faith, family values, and traditions (Mikell & Snethen, n.d.). Understanding and respecting these aspects can enhance trust and the quality of care.

Effective Health Promotion Approach:

To address the unique needs of Hispanics, a comprehensive approach using the three levels of health promotion prevention is crucial:

1. Primary Prevention: Encouraging a Healthier Diet and Exercise
– Provide resources for affordable healthy food options.
– Promote exercise and physical activity that can be done at home.
– Highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight.

2. Secondary Prevention: Prediabetes Management
– Screen for prediabetes through hgA1C tests.
– Implement interventions to prevent the progression to diabetes.

3. Tertiary Prevention: Complications Management
– Focus on preventing complications of diabetes.
– Ensure proper wound care to prevent limb amputation.

Cultural Considerations:

Cultural beliefs and practices are central to creating a care plan for Hispanics. Healthcare providers must respect religious beliefs, family involvement, and cultural traditions. A cultural competence theory, such as the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence, can guide healthcare professionals in providing culturally sensitive care to Hispanics. By understanding and respecting cultural factors, healthcare providers can foster trust and improve health outcomes.

Conclusion:

Hispanics in the United States face significant health disparities influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, and access-related factors. Tailoring health promotion strategies to address the unique needs of this minority group is essential. By incorporating primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention measures and respecting cultural beliefs, healthcare professionals can contribute to reducing health disparities and improving the overall health of Hispanic populations.

Health Promotion in Minority Populations

America is known as the most culturally diverse countries in the world and Hispanics make up one, if not the largest minority groups in America. When I used to think of Hispanic families, I shamefully knew nothing about their heritage, culture, or beliefs. Then 14 years ago I met a Hispanic who turned out to be the most incredible man I have ever met, he is now my husband of 7 years, and the father of my children. Over the past 14 years I have learned so much about the Hispanic culture, traditions, and health habits, and also that they are some of the most caring and loving people I have ever met, and their culture puts a huge emphasis on family, traditions, and faith nrs 429vn health promotion in minority populations essay.

However, unfortunately, Hispanics do not have the greatest health habits and according to (“Hispanic/Latino – The Office of Minority Health,” 2021) some of the main perpetrators of illness and death among Hispanics include that of heart disease, cancer, accidental injuries, and strokes. Hispanics also have higher rates of obesity than other ethnic groups, which could be a reason why they also suffer greatly from diabetes and diabetes complications. Race and ethnicity can play a large role in the influence of health for Hispanics. According to (“RACE, ETHNICITY, AND THE HEALTH OF AMERICANS,” n.d.) genetics and biology can account for some of the variation in health status of racial and ethnic groups, social science research shows the powerful influence on health of risk taking and preventive behavior, social and economic inequalities, communities and environments, health policy, and racist practices. These imbrication dynamics play a role in explaining how racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes.

Health disparities are things that happen with one’s health that according to (Health disparities,” 2019) that have preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or in opportunities to achieve optimal health experienced by.  Though some of the health indicators have improved some, such as life expectancy and infant mortality, a lot of minorities experience a disproportionate burden of preventable disease, death, and disability compared with non-minorities. Some of the health barriers that Hispanics have socially disadvantaged racial, ethnic, and other population groups, and communities nrs 429vn health promotion in minority populations essay.

A covid study that was done, and article published by (National Institute of Health, 2021) showed that minority health disparities are most likely attributable to the continuous effects of residential racial segregation and poverty, which, more than likely influences multiple relevant risk factors and describe health barriers that includes economic, population health, housing, and health care characteristics. An example would be residing in an overcrowded or multi-generational housing due to economic hardship, cultural factors, or the use of public transit may facilitate the spread of the disease within the community.  Also, economic pressures that can arise from being a single parent, limited English proficiency or from living in communities that have a large unemployment or housing costs may cause individuals to continue working even if they are ill. In addition, individuals living on incomes below poverty, or racial and ethnic minorities may have a higher risk of major illness or a higher mortality rate because of their greater burden of underlying chronic diseases and having limited access to health care nrs 429vn health promotion in minority populations essay.

Nutritional challenges among Hispanics are very prevalent, due to the large number of family celebrations and excess of food that is high in calories and fats. With Hispanics being known for their strong family bond and sharing meals at home, it can be extremely hard for one family member to make healthy changes with nutrition. There is also the aspect of culture where turning down food is seen as rude, impolite, and disrespectful. According to (“Hispanic/Latino Americans and type 2 diabetes,” 2021) Hispanics/Latinos are known to have a much higher rate of obesity then other ethnic groups and are also thought to be less physically active than non-Hispanic whites. Some, however, see being overweight as a sign of health instead of as a health problem, thus not changing eating habits and making healthier lifestyle choices.

Hispanics from what I can find from researching and my own experiences, the do not practice a lot of health promotion activities. While researching I found an article that had this quote and I just fell in love with it, it states in (Mikell & Snethen, n.d.) “As Jesus directs us to glorify God in our good works, approaching health promotion from a faith perspective provides additional support for Latino parishes as safe places where nurses can connect faith and health, address disparities in health outcomes, and increase access to health programs.” Nurses should educate on health promotion activities with the understanding of all aspects I have covered so that they will see you have a cultural respect, which will enhance trust and establish a relationship in which they feel cared and understood, then in return will improve the quality of care and eliminate disparities nrs 429vn health promotion in minority populations essay.

Health promotion prevention that would be the most beneficial and effective for Hispanics would be having a primary goal of a healthier diet and promoting exercise. Making sure to provide resources to help with ideas on healthy food options and exercises to do at home, since Hispanics have a higher rate of poverty, making sure they have the understanding that they can achieve this at home without added expense would improve chances of the prevention being achieved and maintained. Secondary prevention is to address any prediabetes, checking hgA1C, to treat and prevent the need for a tertiary management, which would be to prevent any further complications of diabetes, including correct treatments of wounds to prevent limb removal. Making sure to provide all education in Spanish so that they fully understand.

Culture practices should be considered when creating a care plan for Hispanics, making sure to include support of religious beliefs, family participation, and culture respect. In doing this the best way would be to use the cultural competence theory to provide the best knowledge, polices, and skills to provide the best treatment to patient.

References

Health disparities. (2019, February 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/disparities/index.htm

Hispanic/Latino – The Office of Minority Health. (2021, April 5). U.S Department of Health & Human Services. https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlid=64

Hispanic/Latino Americans and type 2 diabetes. (2021, April 7). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/hispanic-diabetes.html

Mikell, M. J., & Snethen, J. (n.d.). CEArticlePrint. Lippincott NursingCenter | Professional Development for Nurses. https://www.nursingcenter.com/ce_articleprint?an=00005217-202004000-00014

National Institute of Health. (2021, June 29). Race, ethnicity, poverty and the social determinants of the coronavirus divide: U.S. County-level disparities and risk factors. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8240081/

RACE, ETHNICITY, AND THE HEALTH OF AMERICANS. (n.d.). American Sociological Association |. https://www.asanet.org/sites/default/files/savvy/images/research/docs/pdf/race_ethnicity_health.pdf

nrs 429vn health promotion in minority populations essay

Health Promotion in Minority Populations