Overall Health and Healthcare Utilization Among Latino American Women in the United States

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the chronic conditions, behavioral-mental health and service utilization of Latino American women in the first epidemiologic survey in the United States. METHODS: Using a national sample (n=1427) from the National Latino and Asian American Study, we assessed and compared the prevalence of overall health and service use in three major subgroups, Cuban, Mexican, and Puerto Rican, and in other Latino American women. Service use included general medical, mental health, and subspecialists. RESULTS: In physical health, Puerto Rican American women reported the highest rate of asthma, whereas Mexican American women reported the highest rate of diabetes. Cuban American women reported the highest rate of hypertension and heart diseases. Body mass index (BMI) indicated that overweight (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2)) and obesity (BMI≥30 kg/m(2)) were prevalent in all three subgroups: two thirds of Mexicans and Puerto Ricans, respectively, and >50% of Cuban Americans. Of the sample, 11.6% rated their mental health status as fair or poor, and 10.8% reported at least one major depressive disorder (MDD) in the past 12 months. Puerto Rican American women had the highest rates on depression, substance abuse, and seeking mental health service, and Cuban American women saw specialists most frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Patterns of overall health issues varied among Latino American subgroup women, yet they have low rates of healthcare use. It is critical to further examine factors associated with the sex-specific health issues and with their health services underuse.

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