For many years, the Hispanic population in the United States has been growing. According to the Pew Research Center, there are currently 55.4 million Hispanics living in the U.S. This is the equivalent of 17.4% of the total population in the country. Growth in the Hispanic population peaked in the 1990s. But from 2010-2014, growth has declined from an annual average growth rate of 4.8% to an average of 2.4%. Nevertheless, we continue to see disparities in disease among the Hispanic population when compared to other ethnic groups.
Leading Causes of Death Among Hispanics
Although cancer is not the leading cause of death among the entire population of the United States, among Hispanics, according to a 2010 study published in 2013, cancer was the top leading cause of death.
The overall list includes:
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Unintentional Injuries
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Chronic Liver Disease & Cirrhosis
- Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases
- Alzhheimer’s Disease
- Nephritis, Nephrotic Syndrome & Nephrosis
- Influenza & Pneumonia
Health Disparities Among the Hispanic Population in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control informs us that:
- During 2017 to 2010 there were more obese female Mexican American adults than there were female white, non-Hispanic adults.
- In 2010, there were more Hispanics and non-Hispanic African American adults with diabetes than there were among white, non-Hispanic and Asian adults.
- There were more cases of periodontitis (inflammation of the tissue/gums around the teeth) in 2010 among Mexican American adults over 30 years old than in white, non-Hispanic adults of same the age group
- Compared to white adults, in 2010, HIV infections continued at a higher rate among Hispanic adults
- In 2010, Mexican and Puerto Rican teenage females gave birth at a higher rate than white non-Hispanic females.
- In 2010, Hispanic females aged 15-19 years had five times the amount of babies than Asian/Pacific Islanders, twice the amount compared to non-Hispanic whites, and had higher rates overall than non-Hispanic black and American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents.
- In 2010 there were more Hispanics aged 18-64 years a larger percentage without health insurance than white, non-Hispanic adults.
- Compared to non-Hispanics, there was a smaller percentage of Hispanics aged 50-74 years that were up to date with colorectal cancer screening in 2010.
- In 2010, white, non-Hispanic adults had more control of their blood pressure than Hispanics and non-Hispanic African Americans.
- There were less Hispanics aged 6 months and older that were vaccinated against influenza during the 2010-2011 influenza season than white, non-Hispanic persons of the same age group.
- Less Hispanic adults completed high school and had incomes less than the federal poverty level when compared to white, non-Hispanic adults in 2011.
- In 2010 there was a larger population of Hispanic adults aged 18-64 years that were unemployed than with white, non-Hispanic adults of the same age group.
- More Hispanics in 2010 worked in higher risk occupations than white, non-Hispanic workers.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / National Vital Statistics