Points200RubricView RubricStatusUpcomingAssessment TraitsRequires LopeswriteAssessment Description Select an ethnic minority group that is represented in the United States (American Indian/Alaskan Nat

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Introduction:
This assignment requires an analysis of the health status of an ethnic minority group in the United States, including the identification of health disparities, barriers to health, and health promotion activities. The ethnic minority group selected for this paper is the Hispanic/Latino community. The analysis will be based on information available from Healthy People, CDC, and other relevant government websites, with a focus on comparing and contrasting the health status of this group with the national average.

1. Describe the ethnic minority group selected. Describe the current health status of this group. How do race and ethnicity influence health for this group?
The Hispanic/Latino community in the United States is one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups, accounting for 18% of the population. They are a diverse group, including individuals from Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The community experiences significant health disparities due to various factors such as poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and language barriers. The current health status of the community is poor, with higher rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Race and ethnicity influence health for this group as they face barriers accessing healthcare due to language and cultural differences, and they tend to live in neighborhoods with environmental hazards and lack of safe places to exercise.

2. What are the health disparities that exist for this group? What are the nutritional challenges for this group?
Hispanics/Latinos face significant health disparities such as higher rates of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. They have limited access to preventive care and health education due to the language barrier and lack of health insurance coverage. The nutritional challenges that Hispanics/Latinos face are a high intake of unhealthy foods, including sugary drinks and processed foods, and limited access to healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.

3. Discuss the barriers to health for this group resulting from culture, socioeconomics, education, and sociopolitical factors.
The barriers to health for Hispanics/Latinos are many. Cultural factors such as the belief in home remedies and lack of trust in Western medicine create a challenge in accessing healthcare. Socioeconomic factors like poverty, lack of health insurance, and unstable housing situations create barriers in accessing healthcare, while the lack of education and language barriers make it challenging to understand health information. Sociopolitical factors like anti-immigrant sentiments and policies have created fear, which makes it challenging for them to seek medical care.

4. What health promotion activities are often practiced by this group?
Hispanics/Latinos often engage in traditional practices to maintain good health such as home remedies and a healthy diet. They also value close family ties and often engage in physical activities like dancing and sports with family and friends.

5. Describe at least one approach using the three levels of health promotion prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) that is likely to be the most effective in a care plan given the unique needs of the minority group you have selected. Provide an explanation of why it might be the most effective choice.
A primary prevention approach such as health education programs stressing the importance of regular physical activity and a healthy diet is most likely to be the most effective in a care plan given the unique needs of the Hispanic/Latino community. The approach is effective as it targets the root cause of the community’s health problems, such as obesity and diabetes. An emphasis on building health literacy skills will help to increase the uptake of effective health promotion techniques.

6. What cultural beliefs or practices must be considered when creating a care plan? What cultural theory or model would be best to support culturally competent health promotion for this population? Why?
When creating a care plan, it is essential to consider cultural beliefs and practices. For instance, the Hispanic/Latino community values family and traditions. Modesty is also an integral part of the culture. As such, care plans should be designed to include family participation and incorporate cultural values like modesty. The social ecological model is a cultural theory or model that works best to support culturally competent health promotion for this population. It recognizes that changes in the environment, behaviors, and policies influence health outcomes. Therefore, care plans designed based on this model will address both the individual and societal factors that affect Hispanic/Latino health.