Hispanics are groups of Spanish culture including Mexicans, South or Central Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans. The ethnic group has an estimated population of 57 million people according to the 2015 Census estimates, and it is the largest minority in the country (Pew Research Center, 2016). Moreover, the Hispanics in the US constitute approximately 17.6 percent of the total population of the nation (Pew Research Center, 2016). The causes of death include cancer, heart disease, unintentional injuries, stroke, diabetes, chronic liver disease, homicide, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and suicide and kidney disease.

1. Why is cultural competency important when addressing these health problems within this specific population?

Cultural competence is significant because provider-patient communication increases patient satisfaction. Hispanics with chronic conditions require more health services; therefore, if providers and health care organizations work together to provide a culturally competent care, patients will have positive health outcomes that would increase their satisfaction. Second, cultural competence is important because of the language barriers. Hispanics have limited English proficiency, and this will influence their adherence to provider’s recommendations.

2. How are these health issues being address specifically for this target population?

The government addresses these health issues by increasing access to high-quality care for the Hispanic population. Due to the linguistic and cultural barrier, the government encourages cultural competence because it is an approach that allows patients to access timely and high-quality care (Betancourt, et al., 2005). Second, training of health care workforce on dealing with Hispanics as a minority population helps in addressing these health problems. Cultural competence is an educational strategy; therefore, health care providers focus on understanding the cultural beliefs and behaviors of Hispanics, to improve the quality of care.

3. Why is it important to target specific populations with health information they relate to?

Targeting specific populations allows providers, organizations, and systems to create an environment that meets their needs. Hospitals are adapting services to address cultural beliefs and preferences of patients (Betancourt, et al., 2005). Second, the approach is significant in precision planning. Once the health care organizations have targeted specific populations with health information they relate to, it would be easy to determine their needs and manage their care by providing education and training. Also, the hospitals can plan on offering services that allow patients to navigate the healthcare system.

References

Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Park, E. R. (2005). Cultural competence and health care disparities: key perspectives and trends. Health affairs, 24(2), 499-505.

Pew Research Center. (2016). Key facts about how the U.S. Hispanic population is changing. Retrieved on May 27, 2017 from http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/09/08/key-facts-about-how-the-u-s-hispanic-population-is-changing/.

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