How High Rates of Disease and Illness Reflect an Underlying Issue in Regards to Healthcare for Latinos

It’s no surprise that Latinos and Hispanics are susceptible to certain health issues. There has always been a stigma around the idea that we are heavy drinkers. It’s rare to see a portrayal of a Latino on television without a glass of wine or a ridiculously large can of beer in their hand. 

Even we may unknowingly feed into such ideas; take, for instance, Shay Mitchell, a Latina actress, who stars in a TV show that explores the cultures and histories of Latin American alcoholic beverages. Don’t get me wrong, I applaud her for helping vibrate Latin culture on TV screens, but it may also be feeding into the notion that our high rates of liver disease and diabetes are entirely our fault. 

Yes, it is true that heavy drinking and unhealthy diets are a direct correlation to such diseases; however, there are other factors that play a role as well. 

In the study titled “The Health Status and Health Behaviors of Hispanics” (published by the National Library of Medicine), researchers share how “homicide, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, and conditions originating in the perinatal [time from pregnancy to giving birth] period are among the 10 leading causes of death for Hispanics, but not for whites.” The study gives us a clear link for high death rates: alcohol and chronic hepatitis infection, or inflammation of the liver. 

Chronic Liver Disease and Cirrhosis stand out for two reasons: firstly, they are a direct cause of damage to the liver–the organ that is predominantly affected by excessive alcohol use. Secondly, they notably lead to a decrease in energy and activity. 

We’ve already explored the general view around the first reason. Moreover, Latinos in the US dominate the blue-collar workforce; it’s safe to say that lower rates of energy and higher rates of fatigue can alter lifestyles, mindsets, and even areas we don’t consider as much–like income. 

Another long-term disease that has the highest rate of Hispanics under its spell is Type 2 Diabetes which entails high levels of sugar and inadequate insulin regulation in the body. “The age-adjusted rate of diabetes was 13.8 percent for adults of Mexican origin and 7.3 percent for non-Hispanic white adults.”

Major causes of Type 2 Diabetes include unhealthy diets/lifestyles, genetics, or excessive body fat. I don’t think I need to spell it out for you, but barrios and ethnic communities in the US are much less likely to have access to affordable, quality food. Consequently, NHANES III shares that Hispanic adults have much higher rates of obesity than white adults. 33.3% of Mexican women in comparison to 22.7% of white women to offer some numbers. 

But there is always more to it. 

All of these illnesses reflect a deeper, more rooted problem that infiltrates Latino and Hispanic communities. Yes, drinking and unhealthy consumption of food has gotten out of hand. But, under these baseline actions is something else. 

Latinos in the U.S. are distrustful of the healthcare system.

The National Library of Medicine shares that “Hispanics in general are less likely than non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks to report activity limitations caused by chronic conditions.” Whether it sprouts from the fear of feeling out of place, or misjudged, or misunderstood, it demonstrates that there is something holding us back from asking for help. 

One reason may be because out of all the physicians in the United States, only about 8% identify as Hispanic/Latino. Maybe it is because of the lack of emergency rooms/hospitals in our areas. There are countless reasons for why we hesitate to go to the people who should be first in line to help. 

But I would like to examine one more closely than the others today: a lack of understanding. It’s easy for us to whisk away the small changes we notice–like how we feel more tired from one week to another or how the nausea we experience is just another occurrence that comes every once in a while. 

We, more often than not, cannot reckon with the seriousness of these diseases. 

To get a little personal, one of my family members was told they have abnormally high levels of cholesterol and it is essential for them to alter their diet and reduce the drinking–which includes a handful of beers per day. This family member–whom I hold extremely dear to my heart–has not made the change. But I will work and keep working to help them understand the gravity of the situation. Things like this should not be taken lightly, but for many Latinos, they are. 

It is not because we are lazy or don’t want to learn. I think it’s because we are scared. We are scared to be told “that’s it” “you’re doomed” or “you can no longer work.” To be told such is to no longer be able to provide for your family or to feel like somehow, you have let them down and it is your fault. It is scary to have those thoughts infiltrating your mind, causing you to distance yourself from the care you deserve. 

Additionally, alcohol can serve as an escape for many individuals. It can relieve stress and consuming it oftentimes might make individuals feel good. 

We do not understand the severity. And that is what we have to work to overcome. 

Understanding is such a big part of life. It is essential to almost every task we take on. It can be difficult to achieve when we feel out of place in places that were not exactly built for us. 

So, how do we help Latinos achieve a better understanding and motivate them to reach out for help when they need it? 

One thing we can do is approach the issue in simple terms; letting Latino patients know of the long-term consequences even if they are harsh can help emphasize the need to take action immediately. There is no cure for liver cancer. The end result is death–and that needs to be made clear. It’s time to stop sugarcoating the issues and instead make the reality known. Physicians and professionals must ensure that Latino patients are able to grasp what is going on inside their bodies. By sharing stories of other people who have experienced such diseases or providing video/image resources in Spanish to help better explain the problem, we can ensure that Latinos obtain a better understanding. 

Then, we must provide ample resources. It is crucial that we ensure the resources we offer are adequate for the patient being treated. Don’t offer a program that does not include translators, additional support, or even a Spanish translation on their page to an individual who cannot speak perfect English. 

We must be mindful. 

We must do our best to help make the complexity a little less complex. To ensure Latinos and Hispanics in the U.S. understand why we must ask for help. To clear up the fog, the misunderstanding that has prevented us from reaching out for far too long.