Definition of Diversity

1. The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognizing our individual differences. -University of Oregon

2. Diversity is a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics that make individuals unique in an atmosphere that promotes and celebrates individual and collective achievement. -The University of Tennessee Libraries Diversity Committee (Spring 2001; Revised January 2003)

3. Diversity is each of us and all of us, individually and collectively. Diversity is everything that makes each of us different and those things about all of us that are similar. -The University of Kansas Medical Center

La definición de Diversidad

• El concepto de diversidad abarca aceptación y respeto. Significa que la comprensión que cada individuo es extraordinario, y reconocer nuestras diferencias individuales.

Habla Inglés?

Do you speak Spanish?

Health Disparities among Latinos

According to Vasquez and Mejia (2008), the ten leading causes of death in the United States in 2002 for the Latino population are:

1. Heart Disease

2. Cancer

3. Unintentional Injuries

4. Stroke

5. Diabetes

6. Homicide

7. Liver Disease

8. Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease

9. Influenza and Pneumonia

10. Birth Defects

Vasquez and Mejia (2008) also note that “Factors that contribute to poor health outcomes among Latinos include language and cultural barriers lack of access to preventative care, and lack of health insurance.”

Rodriguez, Bustamante, and Ang (2009), report that many factors influence the state of health of the Latino population, including reportedly less access to healthcare due to lack of insurance or underutilization. They also suggest that Latinos visit physicians less frequently, have fewer emergency service visits, and infrequent regular care which increase incidence of illness.

Perceived Discrimination

While there are many factors contributing to health disparity within the Latino population, discrimination and perceived discrimination seem to be the most prominent (Perez, Sribney, and Rodriguez, 2009).

What can WE do?

As providers we can recognize cultural, beliefs, and value systems. Moreover we can accept these and incorporate them into patient care.

Improve basic communication, utilizing technology (ie. translator phones or internet translators etc.), or live translators.

Education in fundamental for this population. Identify ways to integrate Latino culture into purposeful and meaningful teaching.

References

Perez, D., Sribney, W., Rodriguez, M. (2009). Perceived Discrimination and Self-Reported Quality of Care Among Latinos in the United States. J Gen Intern Med, 24 (Suppl3), 548-54.

Rodriguez, M., Bustamante, A.V., Ang, A. (2009). Perceived Quality of Care, Receipt of Preventative Care, and Usual Source of Health Care Among Undocumented and Other Latinos. J Gen Intern Med, 24 (Suppl3), 508-13.

Vasquez, E., Mejia, N.E. (2008). Sharing the Burden: Health Disparities Among Latinos. Hispanic Health Care International, 6 (1), 2-4.