Select An Ethnic Minority Group Represented In The U ✓ Solved

Select An Ethnic Minority Group That Is Represented In the United Stat

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 a paper of 1,000-1,250 words, compare and contrast the health status of your selected minority group to the national average. Include the following: Describe the ethnic minority group selected. Describe the current health status of this group. How do race and ethnicity influence health for this group? What are the health disparities that exist for this group? What are the nutritional challenges for this group? Discuss the barriers to health for this group resulting from culture, socioeconomics, education, and sociopolitical factors. What health promotion activities are often practiced by this group? Describe at least one approach using the three levels of health promotion prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) that is likely to be the most effective in a care plan given the unique needs of the minority group you have selected. Provide an explanation of why it might be the most effective choice. What cultural beliefs or practices must be considered when creating a care plan? What cultural theory or model would be best to support culturally competent health promotion for this population? Why? Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The health disparities among ethnic minority groups in the United States highlight the need for targeted public health strategies and culturally competent care. Among these groups, the Hispanic/Latino population is rapidly growing and faces unique health challenges influenced by cultural, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. This paper explores the health status of the Hispanic/Latino community, comparing it to national averages, discussing disparities, barriers, and health promotion strategies, and proposing effective interventions tailored to their cultural context.

Overview of the Hispanic/Latino Group

Hispanic/Latino Americans comprise a diverse ethnic group with origins in Latin America, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central, and South America. They are characterized by a rich cultural heritage, strong familial ties, and unique health beliefs. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanic/Latinos represent approximately 18.5% of the U.S. population, making them the largest minority group (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022).

Current Health Status and Comparison to National Averages

Hispanic/Latino populations tend to have lower overall mortality rates than non-Hispanic whites but face higher rates of certain health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and certain infectious diseases (CDC, 2020). The prevalence of diabetes among Hispanics is roughly 12%, significantly higher than the national average of 8.4% (American Diabetes Association, 2019). Obesity rates are also elevated within this group, with approximately 45% classified as obese compared to 42% nationally (CDC, 2021). Despite these disparities, Hispanic/Latino populations often experience lower cardiovascular mortality rates, a phenomenon known as the "Hispanic Paradox" (Franzini et al., 2019).

Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Health

Race and ethnicity influence health outcomes among Hispanic/Latinos through various pathways, including genetic predispositions, cultural health practices, and social determinants (Hussain-Gambles et al., 2021). Cultural beliefs about health and illness, such as reliance on traditional remedies and spiritual healing, shape healthcare-seeking behaviors. Language barriers and health literacy challenges can hinder effective communication with healthcare providers, impacting diagnosis, treatment, and disease management (Balcazar et al., 2020).

Health Disparities and Nutritional Challenges

Significant disparities exist for Hispanics in access to healthcare, insurance coverage, and preventive services. According to the CDC (2020), only 25% of Hispanic adults have received recommended screenings such as mammograms or colonoscopies compared to higher percentages in other groups. Nutritional challenges include high consumption of calorically dense, processed foods due to socioeconomic constraints, leading to obesity and related metabolic disorders (Hernandez & Velasquez, 2020). Limited access to fresh produce and culturally appropriate nutrition education exacerbate these issues.

Barriers to Health

Cultural factors, socioeconomic status, and education significantly influence health outcomes among Hispanics. Many face barriers such as low income, lack of insurance, and immigration-related fears that deter healthcare utilization (Gibbons et al., 2021). Socioeconomic constraints limit access to healthy foods and physical activity opportunities. Educational disparities contribute to low health literacy, impeding understanding of health risks and adherence to preventive measures. Furthermore, sociopolitical factors, such as anti-immigrant policies, foster a climate of fear, discouraging engagement with healthcare systems (Cuevas et al., 2022).

Health Promotion Activities Practiced by the Group

Hispanic/Latino communities often rely on culturally tailored interventions, including community health worker programs (promotoras de salud), which leverage trust within community networks to promote health education and screening. Traditional practices, such as herbal remedies and spiritual healing, are also prevalent and can be integrated into health promotion efforts to enhance acceptance and adherence.

Health Promotion Approaches and Care Plan

Given the unique needs of the Hispanic population, a comprehensive care plan should incorporate primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies aligned with their cultural context.

Primary Prevention: Culturally tailored health education campaigns focusing on diabetes prevention, promoting healthy diets, physical activity, and screening participation (CDC, 2021). Engaging promotoras in delivering these messages can enhance trust and effectiveness.

Secondary Prevention: Screening initiatives for early detection of hypertension, diabetes, and cancers, including mobile health units that reach underserved areas, are vital. Employing culturally sensitive communication ensures understanding and uptake (Gibbons et al., 2021).

Tertiary Prevention: Culturally competent management programs for chronic diseases, including bilingual healthcare providers and education that respects dietary preferences and health beliefs, optimize disease control and reduce complications (Hussain-Gambles et al., 2021).

This integrated approach is effective because it addresses the social determinants, cultural nuances, and healthcare barriers unique to Hispanics, fostering engagement and sustainable health improvements.

Cultural Beliefs and Supporting Models

Cultural beliefs such as the importance of family ("familismo") and spiritual practices influence health behaviors significantly. Incorporating these can improve participation and adherence. The Health Belief Model (HBM), emphasizing individual perceptions and cues to action, is suitable to guide health promotion in this population, as it can incorporate cultural perceptions of illness and preventive behaviors (Rosenstock, 1974). The model’s focus on perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, and barriers aligns well with culturally tailored interventions that resonate with community values.

Conclusion

Addressing health disparities among Hispanic/Latino communities requires culturally competent, multi-level health promotion strategies that consider their unique cultural, socioeconomic, and societal contexts. Utilizing community-based approaches like promotoras, integrating traditional beliefs, and applying models like the HBM can foster trust and improve health outcomes. Future efforts must prioritize reducing structural barriers and tailoring interventions to ensure equitable healthcare access and chronic disease management for this vital segment of the U.S. population.

References

• American Diabetes Association. (2019). Diabetes statistics in the U.S. Diabetes Care, 42(3), 420-425.
• Balcazar, H., et al. (2020). Cultural competence and health literacy among Hispanic populations. Journal of Community Health, 45(1), 55-62.
• CDC. (2020). Health disparities in the Hispanic population. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• CDC. (2021). Diabetes prevention among Hispanic communities. National Diabetes Statistics Report; 2020.
• Franzini, L., et al. (2019). The Hispanic Paradox: A review of the epidemiologic literature. Journal of Public Health, 44(2), 310-317.
• Gibbons, C., et al. (2021). Improving healthcare access for Hispanic populations. American Journal of Public Health, 111(4), 729-735.
• Hernandez, P. & Velasquez, P. (2020). Nutritional challenges among Hispanic Americans. Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences, 10(5), 1-8.
• Hussain-Gambles, R., et al. (2021). Cultural influences on health among ethnic minorities. Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, 30(1), 19-34.
• Rosenstock, I. M. (1974). Historical origins of the health belief model. Health Education Monographs, 2(4), 328-335.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). Hispanic population in the United States. Census Bureau Reports.