Interventions that increase access to care for Latinos lack to account for how trust in healthcare providers impact the usage of expanded access. This thesis looks to identify the levels of trust among US Latinos in health care providers, and how those levels of trust impact quality of care and health outcomes. It will start with a detailed explanation of key terms that will be used throughout the text. Next, an overview of the health profile of US Latinos is presented to pinpoint where health inequities exist. After, it will provide historical context on why mistrust in medical providers might exist amongst US Latinos today. It will then look to establish the levels of trust in health care providers among Latinos currently living within the United States, relative to other racial and ethnic groups. Lastly, it will analyze how those levels of trust impact health behaviors, health outcomes, and quality of care for Latinos.
In late 2019, COVID-19, a new disease caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus began to take over the lives of many people. This study centers on how members of the Latinx community have been affected by COVID-19. Both quantitative and qualitative data were utilized to analyze the perceived risk of infection, preventative behaviors, and acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals that identify as Latinx. Analysis of the survey and interview analysis found the majority of participants expressed abiding by recommended measures and becoming hypervigilant about their activities, and their desire to get vaccinated against COVID-19 when they are eligible. Individuals who did not express the desire to be vaccinated mentioned worries including side effects, costs, safety, and efficacy of the vaccine. Results from this research could aid in the creation of public health initiatives in order to increase the uptake of the vaccine tailored for the Latinx community.
Diabetes prevalence is a pressing concern, particularly among the Hispanic/Latino population, which faces elevated rates of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). Recognizing pre-diabetes as a pivotal stage for intervention, this study investigates the relationship between diabetes awareness and the risk of developing T2D among Hispanic/Latino adults in Arizona. Through a mixed methods approach, socio-economic, demographic, and motivational factors influencing diabetes management and awareness were explored.
Background: The Hispanic/Latino community in Arizona contends with a multitude of barriers to health education, exacerbating the awareness gap regarding diabetes symptoms and risk factors. This study seeks to bridge this gap and empower informed decision-making to mitigate T2D risks.
Methods: A convergent mixed methods research design was employed, concurrently gathering qualitative and quantitative data from 35 Latinx individuals at risk of pre-diabetes. Thematic analysis supplemented quantitative regression models, enriching insights into health disparities and motivators for behavior change.
Results: Age, gender, education level, household income, and health motivation emerged as significant predictors of diabetes awareness and glycemic control. Notably, while older age was associated with higher HbA1c levels, the influence of health motivation reversed the expected correlation, suggesting informed individuals exhibited proactive lifestyle changes.
Implications: Findings underscore the necessity of tailored interventions addressing socio-economic disparities and promoting health literacy within Hispanic/Latino communities. By understanding the nuanced interplay of demographic and motivational factors, culturally sensitive interventions can empower individuals to mitigate T2D risks effectively.
Conclusion: This study sheds light on the intricate dynamics of diabetes management and awareness among Hispanic/Latino adults in Arizona. Informed by these insights, targeted interventions can foster proactive health behaviors and mitigate the burden of T2D within underserved communities.