An assessment of Hispanic health status.

The health-care systems in urban communities are facing major challenges. They are being forced to reduce costs while maintaining and improving quality. Compounding these systems issues are the inequalities in health access and barriers that persist within certain segments of the population. Hispanic Americans make up a significant and growing segment of American society; one particularly important issue for Hispanics is staying healthy. Lack of health insurance, environmental stressors, limited access to provider services, and language barrier are a few of the social inequalities that add to the difficulty in receiving health care. To reduce the inequalities and improve access to quality health care, an assessment may be necessary. An investigation into the trends in the health status, beliefs, and practices of Hispanics would be appropriate in order to address their health needs. These inquiries must go beyond having knowledge of different countries of familial origin to include knowledge of differing cultures, socioeconomic status, and experiences within the health-care system.