Select an ethnic minority group that is represented in the United States (American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander). Using health information available from Healthy People, the CDC, and other relevant government websites, analyze the health status for this group.

In the United States, there are health disparities among racial minorities. To improve the health of ethnic minorities in America, it is essential to better understand and address these disparities. We will examine the Hispanic/Latino minority’s health in the United States and compare it with the average national level. This paper will discuss the current state of health for this ethnic group. We’ll also describe health disparities, nutritional issues, as well as barriers to health due to culture, socioeconomics and education. The health promotion practices that are common among this group will be discussed, as well as a plan of care using three different levels of health prevention.

Hispanic/Latino ethnic minority group description Hispanic/Latino, a term used to describe people from various backgrounds and nationalities, includes but is not limited, Mexicans. Cubans. and Dominicans. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Hispanics/Latinos are the most significant ethnic group in America, with a population of 60.6 millions people or 18.5%.

Hispanic/Latino Population’s Health Status and Health Inequalities Hispanic/Latino populations face significant health inequalities as compared to national average. According to CDC 2021, Hispanic/Latino people are more likely to be obese, diabetic, or have hypertension than other non-Hispanics. They also have less access to healthcare and health insurance. Hispanic/Latino females are more likely to develop cervical cancer than white women and less likely receive appropriate and timely treatment. Hispanic/Latino women are more likely to suffer from mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety, and have limited access. The disparities in mental health are caused by various factors, including poverty, low English proficiency, cultural beliefs and lack of access to services.

Nutritional Challenges Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health. The Hispanic/Latino populations face unique challenges. Office of Minority Health, 2021 states that Hispanic/Latino people are more likely to consume a high-fat diet with high calories. This leads to an increased rate of obesity as well as other health problems. Also, they are less likely than other groups to consume vegetables and fruits. As a result, essential nutrients such vitamin C and A may be deficient.

Barriers in Health Hispanic/Latinos face many barriers that affect their health. These include cultural, social-economic, educational and political factors. It may be that there is a cultural preference for Western medicine and a distrust of traditional medicine. These factors can cause people to delay seeking medical care. Hispanic/Latino populations are more likely than other groups to be poor, which can lead to limited access for them to healthy food, housing and healthcare. Health literacy may be low in education, resulting in a poor understanding of treatment and health information. Immigration status could affect the access to healthcare, causing people to be afraid to seek care for fear of being deported.

Hispanic/Latinos are known to practice health-promoting activities, such as herbal medicine, home remedies and traditional remedies. Spirituality and religion may be used to cope with stress and illness. Support from family and involvement in the community are essential to promoting healthy behaviors.

Care Plan Using the Three Levels of Health Promotion Prevention The care plan developed for Hispanic/Latino populations should incorporate primary, secondary and tertiary preventive strategies. To prevent chronic disease, primary prevention includes promoting healthy habits such as physical activity and healthy eating. Secondary prevention includes early detection and treatment.