Common health risk behaviors

Physical Inactivity: Hispanics generally have the lowest levels of physical activity in the United States.

Dietary Practices: Acculturation to the U.S. is often associated with a deterioration of the traditional Latino diet, leading to less healthy food patterns (e.g., higher fat/carbohydrate and processed food intake).

Substance Use:

Alcohol Use: Acculturation positively correlates with alcohol use, particularly for females.

Smoking: While overall smoking rates are lower than in whites, they are high among specific subgroups like Puerto Rican and Cuban males.

Underutilization of Preventive Services: Many Hispanics, particularly those at higher risk of disease, may underutilize preventive health services (like cancer screenings), leading to diagnosis at later stages of illness.

Common Diseases

The leading causes of death for Hispanics often include:

Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) are the top two leading causes of death.

Type 2 Diabetes: Hispanics have higher-than-average rates of Type 2 diabetes (more than 50% are expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime) and related complications, such as kidney failure and vision loss.

Sample Answer

Health Risk Behaviors and Diseases in US Hispanic and African American Populations

Health disparities are evident across various racial and ethnic groups in the United States, including Hispanic and African American communities. These disparities are often driven by a complex interaction of socioeconomic factors, access to care, and specific health behaviors.

Part A: Health Risks and Diseases Among Hispanics in the United States

Hispanic adults and children in the U.S. have disproportionately high rates of certain chronic conditions and engage in specific risk behaviors.

Common Health Risk Behaviors

Obesity and Overweight: A significant majority of Hispanic adults are overweight or obese, and Hispanic children are twice as likely to be obese as non-Hispanic children. This is a major risk factor for several chronic diseases