27th Annual Student Research Conference
The Impact of Structural Factors on the Health of Latinos
Analia F. Albuja
Dr. Sumi Colligan (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts ), Faculty Mentor
Although residing in a developed nation, many Latinos in the United States are experiencing deteriorating health outcomes (Stone & Balderrama, 2008).The purpose of this paper is to better understand the causes of this disparity by examining the impact of structural factors on Latino health. The paper explores the effects of health literacy, language preference, lack of employment benefits, housing and environmental racism, and provider racism on Latino health outcomes. Using the framework of structural violence, it describes and analyzes the deliberate ways in which societal groups, institutions, and policies prevent marginalized populations from meeting their basic needs (Galtung, 1969). The factors are examined individually, but their interwoven nature is also addressed. Some progress is noted regarding health literacy and access to health care, but there remains ample room for advancement.
Keywords: Structural violence, Latino health, Health disparities
Topic(s):Sociology
Health Science
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 207-2
Location: MG 2090
Time: 9:45