The Role of Economic Factors for Healthcare Usage in the U.S. Hispanic Community
Elhaija, A., Abdelmalak, V., Huang, S.
Affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Published: April 25, 2024
DOI: http://doi.org/10.58417/NLQU7190
Abstract:
Despite being one of the largest populations in the United States, Hispanic communities continue to face deeply rooted healthcare disparities driven largely by economic and structural challenges. This review of the literature, conducted by the 501(c)-3 nonprofit, International Healthcare Organization (IHO), examines the role of economic factors in healthcare usage within the Hispanic community in the United States (1). Challenges posed by low socioeconomic status, insurance coverage gaps, and geographical barriers limit access to essential healthcare services and affect the quality of care received by this demographic. Low socioeconomic status is a significant barrier to adequate healthcare among the Hispanic population. This economic constraint is intricately linked to limited access to healthcare resources, notably in health education and preventative care (2). Lower educational attainment may reduce individuals’ perception of personal health risk, which can further discourage the use of preventative services including vaccinations (3). In some Latino communities, health is often understood not in terms of medical diagnoses, but by one’s ability to work or fulfill responsibilities leading many to delay care until health issues begin to interfere with employment (4). These issues emphasize the strong connection between lower socioeconomic status and significantly reduced opportunities for accessing essential medical care. Furthermore, Hispanic individuals are 30% less likely to be insured than white individuals showing a substantial disparity in health insurance coverage within the Hispanic community (5). The lack of sufficient insurance coverage leads to a reluctance to seek medical care due to cost concerns (6). This gap is especially concerning, as it prevents patients from seeking healthcare services in a timely and proactive manner. Additionally, geographical barriers are shown to significantly restrict healthcare access. Around 22% of Latinos encounter obstacles in reaching healthcare services due to factors such as long travel distances to clinics and inadequate transportation (7). Long work hours and inflexible job schedules, especially in low-wage “brown-collar” employment, further limit opportunities to access care during standard clinic hours (8). Such inflexible work conditions often pressure individuals to choose between wages and wellness, compounding delays in care. These factors demonstrate the need to provide greater opportunities to underserved communities in order to produce greater healthcare outcomes in underserved communities. Effective intervention in these areas is crucial for breaking the cycle of healthcare disparities and ensuring sustainable health improvements for the Hispanic community in the United States.
Amended: September 2025
Works Cited
1. “International Healthcare Organization.” IHO, 25 Feb. 2024, ww.ihealthcareorganization.org/.
2. Escobedo, L. E., Cervantes, L., & Havranek, E. P. (2023). Barriers in Healthcare for Latinx Patients with Limited English Proficiency—a Narrative Review. Journal of General Internal Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-022-07995-3
3. Dhaulakhandi, H., Kodavatikanti, A., Elhaija, A., & Alam, U. (2024). Examining the Relationship between Vaccine Utilization and Educational Attainment in Southeast Los Angeles. Journal of Healthcare Solutions. http://doi.org/10.58417/QHEX3164
4. Arcia, E. (1998, July 27). Latino parents’ perception of their children’s health status. Social Science & Medicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953697100557
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8. De Jesús, M., & Xiao, C. (2014). Predicting health care utilization among Latinos. Health Education & Behavior, 41(4), 423–430. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198114529130