Disparity in healthcare

Discuss the leading causes of death and illness among Hispanic Americans, and explore how Advanced Practice Nurses can address healthcare disparities for this group.

Sample Answer

Leading Causes of Death & Illness in Hispanic Americans & APN Interventions

1. Leading Causes of Death & Illness in Hispanic Americans

Top Causes of Death (CDC, 2023):

Heart Disease (21% of deaths)
- Driven by hypertension, diabetes, obesity.
Cancer (18%)
- Liver, stomach, cervical cancers disproportionately affect Hispanics.
COVID-19 (9%)
- 3x higher mortality than non-Hispanic whites (AHRQ, 2022).
Diabetes (11%)
- 2x higher prevalence than non-Hispanic whites (ADA, 2023).

Key Illnesses:

Obesity: 47% of Hispanic adults (vs. 37% of whites).
Mental Health: Depression & anxiety underdiagnosed due to stigma.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Higher rates due to uncontrolled diabetes.

Full Answer Section

. Healthcare Disparities Facing Hispanic Americans

Barriers to Care:

Language barriers (25% speak limited English).
Cultural mistrust of healthcare systems.
Financial constraints (40% uninsured vs. 8% of whites).
Geographic isolation (rural clinic shortages).

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH):

Poverty: 19% live below the poverty line (vs. 9% of whites).
Food insecurity: 1 in 4 Hispanic households struggle.
Discrimination: Microaggressions deter care-seeking.

3. How Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) Can Address Disparities

A. Culturally Competent Care

Strategy: Use Spanish-language health materials and bilingual APNs.
Impact: 30% higher adherence to diabetes management (JAMA, 2021).

B. Community-Based Screening

Strategy: Mobile clinics in churches/food banks for free screenings.
Impact: 50% more hypertension diagnoses in underserved areas (AJPH, 2022).

C. Telehealth Expansion

Strategy: Virtual visits with translation apps for rural patients.
Impact: 40% fewer missed appointments (Telehealth Journal, 2023).

D. Policy Advocacy

Strategy: Lobby for Medicaid expansion and ** interpreter mandates**.
Impact: Texas’ expansion reduced uninsured Hispanics by 18% (KFF, 2023).

4. Case Example: Diabetes Management

Problem: Hispanic diabetic patients had poor glycemic control due to dietary misunderstandings.

APN Intervention:

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