Considering the Impact of Acculturation on Lifestyle Interventions for Latinos

‘Latinos experience significant health disparities and are less likely to receive medical care than other groups in the United States.’

Between 2000 and 2010, the fastest growing group in the United States was the Latino population, which, with an increase of 15.2 million, accounted for more than half of the total US population growth. ¹ Additionally, it is estimated that the Latino population of the United States will increase from 14% (42 million) in 2005 to 29% (128 million) of the national population in 2050. ² Latinos experience significant health disparities and are less likely to receive medical care than other groups in the United States. ³ Furthermore, Latinos are more likely to experience poverty and face harsher socioeconomic hardships compared with other racial groups. ⁴ Poverty has been shown to negatively affect the ability of individuals to make changes within one’s environment. ⁵

Many within-group differences exist in terms of education, family, social and health values, beliefs, and practices for Latinos. ⁶ A major factor that accounts for these differences is the amalgamation of traditional cultural values and aspects of an assimilated culture. This has been termed acculturation. ⁷ As discussed by Larsen et al, ⁸ there is a clear need to consider acculturation as a continuum. Depending on the country of origin, generation status, preferred language, and socioeconomic status, individuals may have significantly different levels of acculturation. ⁶ Taking into account an individual’s level of acculturation is important when tailoring health care recommendations. Several significant factors to be considered in cultural tailoring of health care services include familismo, personalismo, simpatía, and modestia.