Latino Health
Hispanics are 16% (48.4 million people) of the total U.S. population. It is reported that by the year 2050, one-third of the U.S. population will be Hispanic. One of the most pressing issues that continue to face this growing segment of the population is Health; disparities in access, quality of service, and the burden of chronic and infectious diseases are especially troubling for the Latino community. Studies suggest that lack of health insurance, language, and citizenship are key barriers that prevent many Hispanics from accessing health services and from receiving quality health care. It is significant to note that Hispanics have the highest uninsured rates of any racial or ethnic group in the United States and this is the single most important factor that contributes to the disparities Hispanics face in both their health and in accessing health care.
Within equivalent levels of socioeconomic status, environmental and cultural factors, race still serves as a key determinant of health.
