Research Paper

Running head: MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 1

Title Mexican-American Culture and Health

Student’s Name

National University

COH 310 Culture and Health

XXXXXXXXXXX

September 2013

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 2

Paper titleMexican-American Culture and Health

Mexican-Americans who live in the United States have a rich history of traditions,

including strong religious, family and community beliefs. They have endured several conflicts

over history, as well as strife in their country of origin. Their resiliency and resourcefulness help

them maintain an attitude of looking to the future. Even today, they strive to maintain their

culture, strengthen their families and create a better future.

Persons of Hispanic ethnicity are generally thought of as speaking and/or understanding

the Spanish language. They come from a melting pot of backgrounds and countries such as

Spain (“Spanish”); Latin America (“Latino”); and, Mexico (“Mexican”). Persons born in the

United States (U.S.), whose ancestors came from Mexico, are called “Chicano,” and those who

have assimilated in American culture from Mexico, are called “Mexican-Americans” (Jandt,

2010).

Mexico is approximately three times the size of Texas and is bordered by the U.S. states

of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. The country’s geography is ideal for agriculture

and farming since there are abundant water sources with several mountain ranges where they

have adapted to living in the rugged terrain.

Historically, since the 1500’s, Mexico was under Spain’s control. In 1823, this control

was overturned and a republic was formed. From 1846-1848, during the U.S.-Mexican War, land

north of the Rio Grande was lost by Mexico to the United States (Giger, 2008, pg. 240).

Government corruption has resulted in Mexico’s economy becoming vastly divided between the

wealthy and the poor; increasing poverty, hardship and lack of security for its people. Since the

Mexican Revolution in 1910 to early 1920’s, migration to the United States increased as better

opportunities were sought for their families. In 2000, it was estimated there were over 33 million

Comment [S1]: Citation needed

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 3

Mexican-Americans living in the U.S., primarily in California, Florida and Texas; this number

increasing 58% between 1990 and 2000, making them the largest minority group in the United

States. It is estimated that by the year 2050 their numbers will grow to approximately 102.6

million (KlineKline & Huff, 2007, pg. 188).

Mexican-Americans come to the U.S. both legally and illegally, even with the threat of

deportation. According to Giger (2008), about one-third, of the approximate 7 million

undocumented workers in the U.S., come from Mexico. Issues faced by migrant workers are not

understood by those who haven’t had to live under conditions they face each day. These include

living within poverty levels of income, moving seasonally, separation from families; health

problems from long, hard days of physical labor, result in back pain and arthritis, and illnesses

that include poor dental health and possibly malnourishment (Giger, 2008, pg. 266). Political

efforts are being made to reform immigration laws allowing more people to gain legal status and

eventual citizenship (Giger, 2008, pg. 241).

Mexican-American culture is very family oriented, with many living in neighborhoods

where they keep their traditions and language intact. Familiaismo, or family/group values are

emphasized over individualism (KlineKline & Huff, 2007). Compared with other Latino groups

(Puerto Ricans, Central Americans, Dominicans, South Americans and Spaniards), their median

age is 27.2 years compared to 36.2 years (KlineKline & Huff, 2007, pg. 188). They comprise

83% of the U.S. farm/agriculture workers (KlineKline & Huff, 2007, pg. 189) and also work

industrial jobs (Giger, 2008, pg. 241), primarily in the border states of California and Texas

(KlineKline & Huff, 2007, pg. 188). Often they work long hours, with low pay. As younger

generations attend school and learn English, approximately 60% receive a high school diploma

with 12% receiving bachelor’s degrees (KlineKline & Huff, 2007, pg. 189). Those who do not

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 4

graduate from high school tend to be unemployed and as they get older, have poorer health than

those who graduate (Kline & Huff, 2007, pg. 189).

According to KlineKline & Huff (2007), disparities in health include lack of health

insurance and not receiving preventive immunizations. Increased morbidity and mortality rates

from diabetes and lung disease have resulted from not having health insurance, making it more

difficult to receive consistent, timely medical care. They are also less likely to receive smoking/

alcohol/obesity/ nutrition counseling and twice as likely to have chronic type-two diabetes over

non-Latinos. The longer people assimilate into American way of life, the less healthier their

eating habits tend to be. Diet, activity, environmental factors and genetic predisposition are all

contributing factors of type-two diabetes (KlineKline & Huff, 2007, pg. 195). These same risk

factors, along with lack of physical exercise and hypertension, lead to increased risk for

cardiovascular disease and myocardial infarction among Mexican-American males (KlineKline

& Huff, 2007, pg. 198).

First generation Mexican-Americans attempt to keep their culture intact by speaking

Spanish as their primary language and English selectively and persistently. The many different

dialects make it difficult to effectively communicate. Many youth speak “Spanglish,” which is a

combination of English and Spanish words in the same sentence. This adds to the complexity of

learning Spanish, and affects how different age groups interact (Jandt, 2010, pg. 340). Many

Americans are ethnocentric and may not see the importance of trying to learn the language, and

only about 5% of U.S. physicians are of Latino origin, which leads to additional disparities in

health care (Giger, 2008, pg. 246).

Mexican-Americans tend to live in multi-level families, depending on each other for

economic and social support. The concept of respecto, which is a strong sense of respect for

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 5

elders or those in authority, is prominent. As members may leave family neighborhoods for

more independence and assimilation into American culture, they can experience increased stress

and depression. Students who do not graduate from high school also tend to exhibit signs of

stress as they have a more difficult time getting employment. Men tend to have a strong sense of

machismo, which does not allow for someone to identify with loss of self-esteem or authority, so

they may not acknowledge mental health issues or seek help from outside the family. Instead

they attribute their problems to physical symptoms (KlineKline & Huff, 2007). Women may

suffer stress due to changing societal roles where they may be expected to work outside the

home, while still maintaining household duties and raising their children (Giger, 2008, pg. 249).

Mexican-Americans are often diagnosed with advanced stages of breast cancer due to

fewer cancer screenings; however, there has been increased awareness of mammograms in recent

years. Age, income, education, health insurance coverage, language proficiency, physician

referrals and system barriers contribute to the lack of preventive health measures (KlineKline &

Huff, 2007, pg. 209).

Mexican-Americans, similar to the Asian culture, believe in the theory of hot and cold

imbalances, that is to cure an illness, you apply the opposite principle. They also include prayer

and herbs in their healing practices. Illness is thought of as misfortune or bad luck, or a

punishment from God, or just an imbalance in the body; rather than diet, environment and other

factors that Western medicine implies. They may believe that old age is the reason for the illness,

thus there is no reason for making changes because illness is inevitable (Giger, 2008, pg. 254).

Folk medicine using “healers,” is primary in the culture, which includes the concept of

curanderismo, the belief that health is a matter of chance and controlled by forces in nature

(Giger, 2007, pg. 256). Persons called yerbero, those specializing in herbs and spices and

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 6

curandero and curanderas, who focus on the sins of the patient as being the reason for illness.

At a higher level of healers are witches who practice black, red and green magic. These types of

folk medicine attempts are generally made before Western medicine, especially those persons

who have limited English language skills and dissatisfaction with medical practice (Giger, 2007,

pg. 257). Since Mexican-Americans believe they have their own folk medicine health options,

they may not choose to participate in Western health care unless a trust relationship can be

formed by health care workers.

It is important to understand the overall belief systems of the culture. The medical team

should understand the concept of espiritu, (which emphasizes the mind/body/spirit each working

together), when considering health and wellness. Understanding personalismo, (developing

personal over impersonal - institutional physician/patient - relationships); as well as confianza (a

trust/confidence relationship developed over time); will go a long way to develop relationships

that encourage better health outcomes.

Cultural sensitivity and avoiding the practice of stereotyping is important. Recognizing

cultural differences of health values and ethnic practices, family life, diet, and the availability of

insurance as well as helping to navigate health care and education systems, encouraging the

entire family to participate in education programs, will help us to effectively interact with others

outside our own culture (Giger, 2008, pg. 264).

The rich heritage and family values inherent in the Mexican-American culture is a

valuable asset to the preservation of the same values the Unites States was founded on. By

embracing this group and working toward a better understanding of both Mexican and American

cultures, we will be able to move toward a healthier population in the future of the United States.

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 7

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 8

References

Giger, J. & Davidhizer, R. (2008). Transcultural nursing: Assessment and intervention (5 th

ed.).

St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.

Kline, M., & Huff, R. (2007). Health promotion in multicultural populations (2 nd

ed.).

Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Russell, A. , et. al. (1993). Patterns of contraceptive use and pregnancy among young Hispanic

women on the Texas-Mexico border. Journal of Adolescent Health,.14(5):373-9.

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MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 9

Outstanding

Achievement

Commendable

Achievement

Marginal

Achievement

Unsatisfactor

y

Achievement

Faili

ng

Identified a cultural group

 Description of the

target group

 historical perspective

 Demographics

5%

Clearly defines

cultural group in terms

of history, geography

and population

characteristics

4%

Clearly defines a

cultural group

without adequately

describing some

characteristics

3%

Defines a cultural

group without

adequately

describing many

important

characteristics

2%

Lists a

cultural

group

without

further

definition

0%

missi

ng

Identified health disparities

 Health issues and

disparities

 Morbidity and

mortality rates

 Patterns of Care

 Access to care

 Mental health issues

20%

Clearly identifies

disparities by

comparing descriptive

epidemiology of group

to majority group or

other group

15%

Clearly identifies

disparities using

descriptive

epidemiology

however without

adequate

comparisons

10%

Correctly lists health

disparities without

adequate descriptive

epidemiology

5%

Lists health

disparities

incorrectly

0%

missi

ng

Identified health behaviors

 Preventive and protective health

behaviors

 Sick-role behaviors

 Illness behaviors

 Societal health behaviors

20%

Clearly describes all

common health

behaviors with

supporting evidence

15%

Clearly describes

most common health

behaviors missing

some categories

10%

Correctly lists health

behaviors without

adequate references

to commonality

5%

Lists health

behaviors

incorrectly

0%

missi

ng

Identified health beliefs 15%

Clearly describes

commonly held

attitudes, beliefs and

values

12.75%

Clearly describes

some health beliefs

7.5%

Correctly lists health

beliefs without

adequate reference

to cultural group

4.25%

Lists health

beliefs

incorrectly

0%

missi

ng

Identified contributing

factors

 Barriers to health and

healthcare

10%

Clearly discusses

socio-economic,

language, political,

religious and other

factors that contribute

to the health disparity

7.5%

Clearly discusses

some contributing

factors

5%

Correctly lists some

contributing factors

3.75%

Lists

contributing

factors

incorrectly

0%

missi

ng

Recommendations &

Conclusion

5%

Provides strong,

clear, convincing

conclusions.

Strong supporting

evidence is present.

Consistently relevant

detail support the

conclusions made.

Offers

recommendation(s)

3.75%

Provides clear

conclusions

Supporting evidence

is present with detail.

Uses generalized

(not specific)

examples to support

the conclusions

made. Offers

recommendation(s)

2.5%

Provides weak

conclusions

Some supporting

evidence and

minimal detail is

present.

Offers

recommendation(s)

1.25%

No

conclusions

articulated.

Supporting

evidence and

detail is

lacking.

Offers

recommendat

ion(s)

0%

missi

ng

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 10

Writing Style 10%

All sentences are well-

constructed with

varied structure.

All sentences sound

natural and are easy-

on-the-ear when read

aloud. Each sentence is

clear and has an

obvious emphasis.

Writer makes no errors

in grammar or spelling

that distracts the reader

from the content.

Writer makes no errors

in capitalization or

punctuation, so the

paper is exceptionally

easy to read.

Writer uses vivid

words and phrases that

linger or draw pictures

in the reader's mind,

and the choice and

placement of the words

seems accurate, natural

and not forced.

Communication tone

and word choice

follow a

scholarly/report-

writing style (passive

voice/third person).

7.5%

Most sentences are

well-constructed

with varied structure.

Almost all sentences

sound natural and are

easy-on-the-ear when

read aloud, but 1 or 2

are stiff and

awkward or difficult

to understand.

Writer makes few

errors in grammar or

spelling that distracts

the reader from the

content.

Writer makes 1 or 2

errors in

capitalization or

punctuation, but the

paper is still easy to

read.

Writer uses vivid

words and phrases

that linger or draw

pictures in the

reader's mind, but

occasionally the

words are used

inaccurately or seem

overdone.

Communication tone

and word choice

follow a scholarly

style (passive

voice/third person).

5%

Most sentences are

well-constructed but

have a similar

structure.

Most sentences

sound natural and

are easy-on-the-ear

when read aloud, but

several are stiff and

awkward or are

difficult to

understand.

Writer makes some

errors in grammar or

spelling that distracts

the reader from the

content.

Writer makes a few

errors in

capitalization and/or

punctuation that

catch the reader's

attention and

interrupts the flow.

Writer uses words

that communicate

clearly, but the

writing lacks variety,

punch or flair.

Communication tone

and word choice is

occasionally

informal (active

voice/first person)....

3.75%

Sentences

lack structure

and appear

incomplete

or rambling.

The

sentences are

difficult to

read aloud

because they

sound

awkward, are

distractingly

repetitive, or

are difficult

to

understand.

Writer makes

many errors

in grammar

or spelling

that distracts

the reader

from the

content.

Writer makes

several errors

in

capitalization

and/or

punctuation

that catches

the reader's

attention and

greatly

interrupts the

flow.

Writer uses a

limited

vocabulary

that does not

communicate

strongly or

capture the

reader's

interest.

Jargon or

clichés may

be present

and detract

0%

Paper

lacks

clarit

y.

Lang

uage

or

sente

nce

is so

mudd

led

that

it’s

mean

ing is

uncle

ar in

nume

rous

spots

.

Error

s in

punct

uatio

n,

spelli

ng,

gram

mar

and

usage

are

highl

y

distra

cting.

Com

muni

catio

n

tone

is

highl

y

infor

mal

and

does

MEXICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE AND HEALTH 11

from the

meaning.

Communicati

on tone and

word choice

is informal

(active

voice/first

person).

not

follo

w a

schol

arly

style.

Paper

relies

on

gener

alizat

ions.

APA format & Referencing 15%

No errors in APA

style. Title page and

numbering is complete

and accurate.

Citations and

references are in

proper APA format.

Numerous sources are

cited. All claims are

supported with a

professional reference.

12.75%

Rare errors in APA

style. Title page and

numbering is

complete and

accurate.

Citations and

references are in

proper APA format.

Many sources are

cited. Some claims

leave the reader

looking for a

reference.

7.5%

Errors in APA style

are noticeable. Title

page and numbering

contains minimal

errors.

Citations and

references are in

proper APA format.

Many sources are

cited. Many claims

leave the reader

looking for a

reference.

4.25%

Many errors

in APA style.

Title page

and

numbering is

incomplete

or inaccurate.

Citations and

references

are limited,

missing or

incorrect.

Many claims

leave the

reader

looking for a

reference.

0%

Title

page

and

numb

ering

are

missi

ng.

Citati

ons

and

refer

ences

are

missi

ng or

incor

rect.

Total maximum points for Research Paper = 92/100