UCSF

Background and Significance

Immigrant Hispanic women continue to fare worse in terms of health status and health outcomes than white women. Hispanic women continue to be at high risk for developing diabetes, heart disease, and late-stage cancers (Borrayo & Jenkins, 2003). Some researchers contend that cultural factors may influence health care practices and consequently health outcomes among Hispanic women in the United States (Larkey, et al., 2001; Murguia, et.al, 2000). However, the literature is scanty about the traditional and non-traditional health practices performed by immigrant Hispanic women and how these health beliefs influence their health behaviors in a new society.

Purpose and Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of cultural factors on the health care practices of immigrant, reproductive-age Hispanic women. The specific aim was to explore the traditional culture-related health behaviors practiced by these women in their country of origin and to examine how these practices are influenced or changed with time and exposure to health care in the U.S. Methods

This exploratory qualitative study was conducted in a community health center with a large population of immigrant Hispanic women. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 immigrant Hispanic women between the ages 20-45. Demographic and acculturation data were statistically analyzed. Narrative data were analyzed using Lieblich's (1998) approach to narrative analysis.

Results

This study's findings suggest that cultural factors significantly influence immigrant Hispanic women's health care beliefs and behaviors regardless of time spent in the U.S. Cultural overlap, mother's role, perceived discrimination, family connectedness, language difficulties, transition experiences, differences in health care systems, and desire to maintain cultural heritage were eight themes identified which influenced access to U.S. health care systems. Conclusion The findings of this study add to the gaps of information regarding the negotiating process of combining traditional cultural health beliefs with those of a new host culture for immigrant Hispanic women. This knowledge offers guidance to the development of culturally sensitive health interventions directed at improving the health outcomes among these women.