Hispanic Healthcare

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the health beliefs and practices of the Spanish American population are rich and varied. It looks at how one of the beliefs among the Spanish American population is the idea that physical or mental incapacity and illness are a result of an imbalance between the environment and the person in question. It shows how they believe that the mechanisms that may influence the human body include emotional, spiritual and social factors, as well as hormonal imbalances in women and men. It examines how Hispanic?s who believe in the theories of balance do not necessarily express these beliefs to their nurses and physicians, nor do they necessarily follow alternative medical practices which are commonplace in the U.S., such as biofeedback.

From the Paper:

"There are many times when this population will seek out a doctor in a clinic or private office, and combine his services with the use of prayer, folk, herbal medicine or perhaps even share prescriptions with a friend (Zapata, 1999). It is important to know that patients may be sharing prescriptions, and advise them accordingly of the dangers. Other beliefs held within the community include family planning. Pregnancy is typically viewed as a natural process, and the chance of many young Hispanic women not seeking pre-natal care until late pregnancy is much higher for this population (de Paula, 1996). This should also be a note of concern and interest for health care practitioners."

More papers on Hispanic Healthcare:

• Essay # 66359 : "Native Americans and Healthcare"
• Analytical Essay # 141954 : "Obesity in the Hispanic Culture"
• Analytical Essay # 148718 : "Healthcare Disparities in Minorities"

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