Use of Preventive Services Among Hispanic Sub-Groups: Does One Size Fit All.

摘要

The Hispanic population, the largest and fastest growing minority group in the nation, is generally under-served with regard to health services. We explored the use of preventive health services among Mexicans, Puerto-Ricans, Cubans, and other Latinos (persons from all other Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain, Central and South America) and examined how the use of preventive services was influenced by nation of origin and by rural versus urban residence. Rural is defined as living in a non-metropolitan county; urban as living in a metropolitan county. The present study explores the use of preventive health services among Mexicans, Puerto-Ricans, Cubans and other Latinos (persons from all other Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain, Central and South America). We further explore how preventive services use is affected by place of residence (rural versus urban) and acculturation. Findings from this study will help program planners and local officials tailor appropriate outreach and educational programs to promote the use of preventive health services by Hispanics.