There is a great body of evidence on the inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and morbidity and mortality. Relative to non-Latino whites, Latinos in the United States have a worse socioeconomic status profile, but a lower all-cause mortality rate. This paradox has stimulated various hypotheses, such as selective migration of healthier individuals.
In this program, Ana Abraido-Lanza, Ph.D., provides a general overview of hypotheses proposed to explain the Latino mortality paradox, as well as research findings concerning the paradox. Particular emphasis is placed on the health behaviors and acculturation hypotheses, which posit that: (1) Latinos have more favorable health behaviors and risk factor profiles than non-Latino whites, and (2) Health behaviors and risk factors become more unfavorable with greater acculturation. An overview of concepts and theories on acculturation and health is also provided. Research findings are highlighted from studies that test theoretical models concerning the association between acculturation and various health behaviors (e.g., breast cancer screening).
After viewing the program, you will be able to:
This program was originally broadcast on June 24, 2004, as a part of the 10th Annual Summer Public Health Research Institute and Videoconference on Minority Health from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health, Minority Health Project.
UNC-Chapel Hill's annual Summer Public Health Research Institute and Videoconference is a unique forum that enables experts in the area of health disparities to reach an audience of several hundred researchers, educators, administrators, practitioners, and students throughout the U.S. Initiated in 1995, its aims include the identification and reduction of barriers to conducting health research in minority communities. Read more on the UNC website.
