Latino Differences

Informal essay by Alyson Schmitz, Megan, Sara Brown, Ashley Trankle

Latinos.  To whom does this term refer?  Because of the varying definitions people assign to the term, there must be clarification in this essay.  Typically, “Hispanic” describes the individuals who speak Spanish.  “Latino”, on the other hand, is used to identify individuals from Latin America.  Language is not a consideration in definition.  Therefore, people from Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking country, would be included in the term.  Despite the numerous similarities between Latino cultures, we will focus on the Spanish-speaking Latinos (Below, identified as Latinos).

The culture of the Latino peoples places emphasis on relationships.  Time must be spent maintaining and sharing with fellow human beings.  This is viewed as the “spice of life”, the most important aspect of living.  Because of the economic situations and struggles Latinos have historically faced in their native/ancestral countries, they have chosen to value people more than time and money.  This aspect challenges the United States’ health system by requiring more time to be spent between medical staff and patient in order to develop a personal relationship and trust.  Basic questions about family and daily activities, what Americans have earmarked as chatting, carry extensive weight in the relationship.  Omitting such conversation from a visit would be an insult and very impersonal.

The macho nature of Latino cultures requires a different approach to medical care. The Latino males feel threatened by anything that challenges their egos; they are raised to believe that they are all-knowing and hold the family together as the provider.  The women are viewed as weak and dependent on her man, such as children.  Women are the family caregiver, maintaining the house and raising the children; however, they secretly hold more power then their machismo husbands allow to be voiced.  The women hold the power over the health of the family.  Women would visit doctors with their children, requiring more space or entertain for the children so doctors may attend to the mothers without interruptions. 

Superstition and tradition also challenge the status quo of the health care system in the United States.  Religion has a strong hold on the minds and reasoning of Latinos.  Phrases such as, “Si Dios quiere” (whatever God wants) or “Que Dios te bendiga” (May God bless you), demonstrate the importance God’s power has on the people.  Most Latinos believe God’s will can save them, without the help of medicine.  They place their fate and health in the hands of their icons, the Virgin Mary, Jesus and God.  Prayers and sacrifice are offered in order to prove their faith and devotion to the Lord, hoping these efforts will result in blessings.  Miracles, such as the appearance of Our lady of Guadeloupe, keep their beliefs alive.  Healthcare professionals must understand the spiritual dominance and incorporate into or adapt to these factors so they can effectively serve the Latino population.

While the Latino culture is rich and diverse, certain characteristics tend to work against their assimilation or adaptation into the United States society.  Most Latino Immigrants enter the US with minimal education; therefore, job opportunities are minimal.  Language, inflexibility working hours, health coverage, and pay are just a few issues Latinos face, not to mention legal status.  Translators must be utilized in order to ensure accurate communication between an English-speaking health provider and the Spanish-speaking patient; however, we must remember certain messages and meanings will be lost in the translation. 

Most healthcare providers operate in the day; the inflexible working hours prevent many Latinos from accessibly medical care and taking time off for an office visit would result in a loss of a vital daily pay.  Health coverage for most “unskilled workers” is minimal; also, most workers are not accustomed to receiving such benefits nor are they educated about them.  Lastly, the fear of exportation and imprisonment prevents many Latinos from seeking out help of any kind.  In most Latino countries, hospitals are state run; the connection between hospitals and government is hard to separate in their minds.  Therefore, the fear of being caught as an illegal prevents many from visiting medical facilities.  Latinos must be educated about the doctor/patient privilege and the inability of hospitals to ask legal status.