After studying Module 6: Lecture Materials & Resources

Sample Solution

Part A: Health Risk Behaviors and Diseases among Hispanics in the United States

Hispanic Americans, a rapidly growing population group in the United States, face a unique set of health challenges. While they share some risk factors with the general population, certain behaviors and diseases disproportionately affect them. Here's a closer look at some common health concerns:

Health Risk Behaviors:

• Diet and Physical Activity: Studies like one by Ogden et al. (2017) show that Hispanic adults have a higher prevalence of obesity compared to non-Hispanic whites. This can be attributed to factors like lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, and higher intake of processed foods and sugary drinks([National Center for Health Statistics], 2020). Additionally, physical inactivity rates tend to be higher among Hispanics ([Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], 2021).
• Tobacco Use: Although smoking rates have declined overall, Hispanic adults still have a higher prevalence of cigar use compared to non-Hispanic whites (Jones et al., 2017). This increases their risk for lung cancer and other tobacco-related diseases.

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• Stress and Mental Health: Acculturative stress, the psychological strain of adapting to a new culture, can lead to unhealthy behaviors like poor diet choices and decreased physical activity (Marin & Gutiérrez, 2009). Additionally, stigma surrounding mental health in some Hispanic cultures can create barriers to seeking help for anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

Common Diseases:

• Diabetes: According to the National Institutes of Health (n.d.), Hispanics are one and a half times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-Hispanic whites. This increased risk is likely a combination of genetic predisposition and the aforementioned risk factors like obesity and physical inactivity.

• Cardiovascular Disease (CVD): Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death among Hispanics. The American Heart Association (2021) highlights that high blood pressure, a major risk factor for CVD, is also more prevalent in this population. Factors like higher rates of diabetes and obesity contribute to this disparity.

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): The National Kidney Foundation (n.d.) reports that Hispanics are more likely to develop CKD compared to other racial/ethnic groups. Diabetes and high blood pressure are significant risk factors for CKD, and their higher prevalence among Hispanics contributes to this disparity.

Part B: Health Risk Factors and Diseases among African Americans

African Americans experience a disproportionate burden of chronic diseases compared to the general population in the US. Here are some key risk factors and prevalent health concerns:

Health Risk Behaviors:

• Diet and Physical Activity: Similar to Hispanics, African Americans tend to have lower fruit and vegetable intake and higher consumption of processed foods (Ogden et al., 2017). Physical inactivity rates are also higher among African Americans compared to whites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Factors like limited access to affordable healthy foods, lack of safe spaces for physical activity in some neighborhoods, and cultural preferences for certain food types all contribute to these disparities.

• Tobacco Use: While smoking rates have declined overall, African Americans still have a higher prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to non-Hispanic whites (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). This increases their risk of lung cancer and other tobacco-related illnesses. Historical marketing practices targeting African American communities and limited access to smoking cessation programs contribute to this disparity.

• Social Determinants of Health: Factors like poverty, lack of access to quality healthcare, and discrimination significantly contribute to health disparities. These factors often create challenges in adopting healthy behaviors and accessing preventive care (Williams & Sternthal, 2016). Residential segregation can limit access to healthy food options and safe spaces for physical activity, further impacting health outcomes.

Common Diseases:

• Heart Disease: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) report that African Americans are more likely to die from heart disease than any other racial/ethnic group. This disparity can be attributed to the higher prevalence of risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. Social determinants of health likely play a significant role in creating these risk factors.

• Stroke: Stroke is a leading cause of death