Open AccessRole of Acculturation Research in Advancing Science and Practice in Reducing Health Care Disparities Among Latinos
Author(s) -
Ruth Enid Zambrana,
Olivia CarterPokras
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
american journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.284
H-Index - 264
eISSN - 1541-0048
pISSN - 0090-0036
DOI - 10.2105/ajph.2008.138826
Subject(s) - acculturation , health equity , socioeconomic status , health care , public health , race and health , social determinants of health , cultural competence , gerontology , medicine , environmental health , psychology , ethnic group , nursing , sociology , political science , population , pedagogy , anthropology , law
An impressive body of public health knowledge on health care disparities among Latinos has been produced. However, inconclusive and conflicting results on predictors of health care disparities remain. We examined the theoretical assumptions and methodological limitations of acculturation research in understanding Latino health care disparities, the evidence for socioeconomic position as a predictor of health care disparities, and the effectiveness of cultural competency practice. Persistent use of culture-driven acculturation models decenters social determinants of health as key factors in health disparities and diminishes the effectiveness of cultural competency practice. Social and economic determinants are more important predictors than is culture in understanding health care disparities. Improvements in the material conditions of low-income Latinos can effectively reduce health care disparities.