Hispanic Heritage and Increasing Cultural Competence

Introduction

Cultural competence is something that often gets overlooked in healthcare, but it’s actually a key part of providing quality care. In a country as diverse as the United States, healthcare professionals need to be aware of the cultural backgrounds of the patients they serve, especially when working with communities that have different traditions, beliefs, and attitudes toward medical care. One of the largest and fastest-growing groups in the U.S. is the Hispanic population, and understanding their unique cultural perspectives can make a real difference in patient outcomes.

Hispanic heritage is deeply rooted in family values, religious beliefs, and traditional healing practices, all of which shape how individuals approach healthcare. Unfortunately, many Hispanic individuals face health disparities and barriers to accessing medical care, which makes cultural awareness even more important. In this essay, I’ll explore some of the major aspects of Hispanic culture that influence health, including nutrition, traditional healing practices, and common health disparities, while also looking at why cultural competence matters for healthcare providers.

Food, Family, and Nutrition in Hispanic Culture

It’s often said that food is a universal love language, and that couldn’t be more true for Hispanic culture. Meals aren’t just about eating; they’re a way to connect with family, preserve traditions, and show care for one another. Cooking is often a family activity, with multiple generations coming together to prepare meals (Marquine et al., 2015). This means that food choices are deeply ingrained in cultural identity, which can make dietary changes difficult when someone is advised to follow a new nutrition plan for health reasons.

Hispanic diets tend to vary depending on geographic region and food availability. Coastal areas rely more on seafood, while inland regions consume more beef, pork, and grains. A traditional Hispanic diet is rich in vegetables, legumes, and spices, with a preference for grilled or fried foods (Oldways, 2019). In Latin American countries, fresh food markets—like verdulerías (vegetable shops) and mercados (open-air markets)—are common, whereas in the U.S., large grocery stores dominate (Coe et al., 2018).

For healthcare providers, understanding the significance of food in Hispanic culture is important when discussing nutrition and diet-related health issues. Instead of telling patients to completely change their eating habits, a more culturally sensitive approach would be to suggest modifications to traditional meals to make them healthier while keeping the flavors and traditions intact.

Traditional Healing Practices and Beliefs

The Role of Folk Medicine

Many Hispanic individuals use traditional remedies alongside Western medicine, and in some cases, they may prefer homeopathic treatments over prescription medications. Curanderos (folk healers) are often consulted for illnesses, and treatments may include:

• Herbal teas and natural remedies to treat common ailments.
• Healing ointments and poultices for muscle pain or inflammation.
• Religious rituals, prayers, and offerings to saints as part of the healing process (Johnson & Farquharson, 2019).

Faith plays a major role in health decisions for many Hispanics, especially among older generations. Since the majority identify as Catholic, there is often a belief that illness is part of God’s plan, which can lead some individuals to avoid medical intervention or delay seeking care (Johnson & Farquharson, 2019).

Attitudes Toward Medication and Preventive Care

Many Hispanic individuals are hesitant to take prescription medications, sometimes due to concerns about side effects, addiction, or general distrust of pharmaceuticals (Johnson & Farquharson, 2019). In many Latin American countries, antibiotics and other medications are sold over the counter, so moving to the U.S., where a prescription is required, can be frustrating for some patients.

There is also a tendency for reactive rather than preventive care, meaning that many individuals seek medical attention only when symptoms become severe rather than scheduling regular check-ups (Torres et al., 2017). This reluctance is often tied to language barriers, financial concerns, or fear of being judged by medical professionals.

Healthcare providers who take the time to listen to patients’ concerns and explain the importance of preventive care can build trust and encourage better health practices. Simple things like providing bilingual resources or involving family members in discussions can make a significant difference in how Hispanic patients engage with the healthcare system.

Health Disparities in Hispanic Communities

Chronic Diseases and Obesity

Hispanic populations face higher rates of chronic diseases compared to non-Hispanic whites, with obesity being one of the biggest risk factors. According to the CDC (2020):

• 41.2% of Hispanic men and 48.4% of Hispanic women are classified as obese.
• Hispanic individuals are 66% more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
• Cancer has surpassed heart disease as the leading cause of death among Hispanics.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for culturally tailored health education. Many of these conditions are preventable or manageable, but without access to proper healthcare or nutrition education, individuals may not receive the guidance they need.

Sexual Health and Reproductive Challenges

Another pressing issue is sexual and reproductive health, where Hispanic individuals experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), teen pregnancies, and limited contraceptive use. Many practicing Catholics oppose birth control, which can contribute to higher rates of unplanned pregnancies (CDC, 2020).

Additionally, Hispanics account for 27% of newly diagnosed HIV cases, even though they make up only 19% of the U.S. population (CDC, 2020). These disparities highlight the importance of sex education and access to reproductive healthcare in Hispanic communities.

Barriers to Healthcare Access

Several factors contribute to healthcare access challenges among Hispanics, including:

• Lack of health insurance (especially for undocumented immigrants).
• Language barriers, which make it difficult to communicate with doctors.
• Distrust of the healthcare system, leading to reluctance in seeking care (Torres et al., 2017).

To bridge these gaps, healthcare systems need to increase bilingual services, offer community outreach programs, and create affordable healthcare options tailored to Hispanic patients.

Conclusion

Understanding Hispanic culture is crucial for healthcare providers who want to offer effective and respectful care. From nutrition and traditional healing practices to barriers in accessing healthcare, cultural awareness plays a major role in improving health outcomes.

Obesity, diabetes, and cancer continue to disproportionately affect Hispanic communities, making it essential for healthcare professionals to promote preventive care in a way that respects cultural values. Additionally, acknowledging the role of faith and family in healthcare decisions can help build trust and improve patient-provider relationships.

By prioritizing cultural competence, healthcare providers can make sure that Hispanic patients receive the care they need in a way that aligns with their values and beliefs. Ultimately, a little cultural understanding goes a long way in creating better healthcare experiences for everyone.