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Latina Women's Health There are nearly 14 million Latina women in the United States. They include women from diverse cultures, histories, and experiences-Mexican Americans, Central and South Americans, Puerto Ricans, Cuban Americans, and Spanish Americans. While Latina women currently represent only 11% of the female population of the United States, they are a growing force. By the year 2050, nearly one of every four women in the United States will be Latina. Q. What are the major health issues facing Latina women in the United States? - Health care access. There are more uninsured Latina women than any other race/ethnic group (30%) even though many of them are employed or live with someone who is employed. Only 26% have private health insurance, 27% receive Medicaid coverage, and 7% are covered by Medicare. Difficulties with language, transportation, child care, immigration status, or cultural differences act as further barriers to health care services.
- Diabetes, including gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, is two to three times more common in Mexican-American, Cuban American, and Puerto Rican adults than in non-Hispanic whites.
- Obesity is 1.5 times more common in Mexican American women than in the general, female population-reaching 52%.
- HIV/AIDS. The rate of HIV infection is seven times higher in Latina women than in white women, highlighting the need for greater prevention and treatment in this community.
- Prenatal care. Many Latina women do not get timely prenatal care (in the first three months of pregnancy). The rates are 89% (Cuban American), 74% (Puerto Rican), 73% (Central and South American), and 69% (Mexican American). Yet Latina women have infant mortality rates comparable to those of white women (7%) and far lower than those of African American women (17%) and Native American women (13%).
You can find out more about Latina women's health by contacting the following organizations: National Latina Health Organization/Organizacion Nacional de la Salud de la Mujer Latina, (510) 534-1362 Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, (202) 690-7650 Office of Minority Health Resource Center, (800) 444-6472 From the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services Current as of August 13, 2002
Last updated August 13, 2002
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