Vulnerable Population - Hispanic Children

Vulnerable Population - Hispanic Children

Young Hispanic children experience multiple disparities in health status, insurance coverage, barriers to healthcare access and the quality of health care received. There have been multiple studies that have researched racial/ethnic disparities among adults, however few studies have examined the racial/ethnic disparities in the health care of children. The United States is experiencing a demographic surge in minority children, particularly among the youngest age groups. "Estimates indicate that, by 2030, there will be more minority children than non-Hispanic white children" (Flores, Olson & Korman, 2004, p. 192). This alarming statistic has caused a national concern. This paper will discuss the risk factors /key issues experienced within this particular vulnerable population. Furthermore, this writer will interview a professional who works with this selected group and interview a member of this selected population.

There are multiple risk factors/ key issues that impact the health and well-being of Hispanic children. Risk factors include, lack of health insurance, language, poverty, cultural differences, stereotyping and disparities in the quality of health care.

1. Lack of health insurance: According to one study, Hispanics are more likely to be uninsured (27%) than any other ethnic group of U.S. children (Flores, Afflict & Barbot, 2002, p. 84). In comparison, 9% of whites, 18% of blacks, and 17% of Asian/Pacific Islanders are uninsured. About 3.2 million Hispanic children lack health insurance (Flores, Afflick & Barbot, 2002). Lack of health insurance often forces families to put off getting needed medical care because they cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs of health servi...

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... ever needed interpreter services? Did have any difficulty when using these services?

6. Have you ever felt stereotyped or discriminated against because of your cultural background? Did this impact your feelings related to your child's health care?

7. In the next decade, what are some changes that you would like to see related to your child's health care?

Works Cited

Flores, G., Olson, L. & Korman, S. C. (2004). Racial and ethnic disparities in early childhood health and health care. Pediatrics, 115, 183-193.

Flores, G., Afflick, E. & Barbot, O. (2002). The health of Latino children: Urgent priorities, unanswered questions, and a research agenda. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 288(1), 82-90.

Stanhope, M. & Lancaster, J. (2008). Public health nursing: Population-centered health care in the community (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.