In the United States, the Hispanic community, encompassing individuals of various origins such as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and more, constitutes a significant and diverse portion of the population. Within this demographic, there exist distinct health challenges that merit attention. Particularly, concerns related to diabetes prevalence and its associated trends have emerged (Kamody et al., 2021). This assessment will focus on the unique health needs and disparities affecting different subgroups within the Hispanic community, while also emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions and effective communication strategies.
Demographic Characteristics for a State
The Hispanic community is one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, comprising diverse subgroups with varying demographic characteristics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2021, Hispanics constituted approximately 18.7% of the U.S. population. The community encompasses individuals with various national origins, including Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central/South American (Bureau, 2022).
In terms of health, diabetes is a significant concern within the Hispanic community. According to the American Diabetes Association, Hispanic adults are almost twice as likely as non-Hispanic white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes. Factors contributing to this higher prevalence include genetic predisposition, dietary habits, and limited access to healthcare and education about diabetes management (Barcelo et al., 2021).
NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1: Identifying Community Health Needs
Health disparities within the Hispanic community also impact health outcomes. Socioeconomic factors, such as lower income levels and limited access to healthcare, can lead to delayed diagnosis and inadequate management of diabetes. Culturally tailored interventions and bilingual education programs have been developed to address these disparities and improve health outcomes (Olmos & Jones, 2022).
Trends Regarding Population in Demographic Reports
Numerous patterns and trends are evident in demographic reports concerning diabetes within the Hispanic community. One prominent trend is the higher prevalence of diabetes among Hispanic adults compared to non-Hispanic white adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the age-adjusted prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in adults of Hispanic origin was around 14.7%, significantly higher than the prevalence among non-Hispanic white adults (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
Another significant trend is the higher prevalence of diabetes-related complications within the Hispanic community. Studies indicate that Hispanics with diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing complications such as kidney disease, amputations, and cardiovascular problems. Health disparities, including limited access to quality healthcare, socioeconomic challenges, and cultural factors, contribute to these outcomes (Mirkovic, 2021). NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1: Identifying Community Health Needs
Gaps
There are gaps in the data that impact the accuracy of these trends. Subgroup-specific data within the Hispanic community is often lacking, and different national origins (Mexican, Puerto Rican, etc.) can have varying risk factors and health behaviors. Limited access to healthcare, language barriers, and cultural differences can also affect accurate reporting and diagnosis. Additionally, data might not fully capture undiagnosed cases of diabetes (Olmos & Jones, 2022).
Impact of Diabetes on the Specific Group of Hispanic Community
Within the Hispanic community population, certain subgroups are highly impacted by the health concern of diabetes. According to the CDC and the American Diabetes Association, Mexican Americans and Puerto Ricans are among the groups within the Hispanic community that experience a higher prevalence and greater impact of diabetes (ADA, 2021; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019).
Mexican Americans, being the largest subgroup within the Hispanic community, have consistently shown higher rates of diabetes compared to other Hispanic subgroups. Factors such as genetic predisposition, dietary habits, and socioeconomic disparities contribute to their increased vulnerability. Puerto Ricans, on the other hand, often face higher rates of diabetes-related complications due to a combination of genetic factors, limited access to quality healthcare, and cultural influences affecting diet and lifestyle choices (Barcelo et al., 2021). NURS FPX 5003 Assessment 1: Identifying Community Health Needs
Conclusion
The Hispanic community, encompassing diverse origins, faces heightened diabetes risk and early-onset cases, with disparities affecting Mexican and Puerto Rican subgroups. Tailored communication, cultural sensitivity, and targeted interventions are vital to address these pressing health needs within the community.
References
ADA. (2021). Latino Programs | ADA. Diabetes.org. https://diabetes.org/latino-programs
Barcelo, A., Valdivia, A., Sabag, A., Rey-Lopez, J. P., Galil, A. G. de S., Colugnati, F. A. B., & Pastor-Valero, M. (2021). Educational differences in diabetes mortality among Hispanics in the United States: An epidemiological analysis of vital statistics data (1989-2018). Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(19). https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10194498
Bureau, U. C. (2022). Hispanic Heritage Month 2022. Census.gov. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2022/hispanic-heritage-month.html#:~:text=62.6%20million
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Hispanic/Latino Americans and type 2 diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/hispanic-diabetes.html
Kamody, R. C., Grilo, C. M., Vásquez, E., & Udo, T. (2021). Diabetes prevalence among diverse Hispanic populations: Considering nativity, ethnic discrimination, acculturation, and BMI. Eating and Weight Disorders – Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-021-01138-z
Mirkovic, M. (2021). 10 practical tips for improving diabetes outcomes in Hispanic and non-Hispanic black communities. ADCES in Practice, 9(5), 42–45. https://doi.org/10.1177/2633559×211031911
Olmos, B., & Jones, E. J. (2022). Discrimination and Type 2 Diabetes-related health outcomes among Hispanic adults in the United States: An integrative literature review. Hispanic Health Care International. https://doi.org/10.1177/15404153221077370