Intersectionality Concepts
Intersectionality is a theoretical framework that examines how an individual’s multiple, overlapping identities − such as race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status − interact to create unique experiences of privilege, marginalization, and oppression. This approach recognizes that these social identities do not exist in isolation, but rather intersect to shape one’s lived experiences, including access to resources and exposure to discrimination.
For Hispanic individuals in the United States, intersectionality is particularly salient, as this population encompasses diverse racial, ethnic, and sociocultural backgrounds. The term “Hispanic” or “Latino/a/x” encompasses individuals with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. These individuals may self-identify as white, Black, Indigenous, or a combination of these racial categories. Recognizing the heterogeneity within the Hispanic population is crucial, as race and ethnicity can have profound and distinct implications for health outcomes and access to healthcare.
Hispanic Population Characteristics
The Hispanic population is the largest and fastest-growing minority group in the United States, currently comprising nearly 19% of the total population. By 2050, it is projected that Hispanics will make up almost 30% of the U.S. population. This demographic shift underscores the importance of understanding the unique health needs and challenges facing Hispanic communities.
Hispanics in the U.S. are a diverse group, with varying sociocultural factors that can influence health and healthcare. For example, country of origin, length of time in the U.S., language proficiency, socioeconomic status, and immigration status all play a role in shaping the experiences of Hispanic individuals. These intersecting factors can contribute to disparities in access to care, utilization of preventive services, and prevalence of chronic health conditions.
Health Disparities among Hispanics
Despite the growing size of the Hispanic population, research has often homogenized this group, failing to address the role of race in Hispanic health discourse. Emerging evidence, however, highlights significant differences in health outcomes among Hispanic subgroups defined by race.
For instance, studies have found that Black Hispanic individuals have higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and asthma compared to their white Hispanic counterparts. These disparities may be driven by the compounding effects of systemic racism, socioeconomic disadvantages, and limited access to culturally responsive healthcare. Conversely, white Hispanic individuals have been shown to have better health behaviors, such as higher rates of physical activity and alcohol consumption, than non-Hispanic Black individuals.
Importantly, these health differences are not solely attributable to race or ethnicity alone, but rather the intersection of these identities with other social determinants of health. Untangling the complex interplay of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors is crucial for developing tailored interventions and policies that address the unique health needs of diverse Hispanic subgroups.
Replication Study Methodology
To further explore the role of intersectionality in Hispanic health, this study aims to replicate and expand upon previous research by LaVeist-Ramos and colleagues. The researchers utilized data from the All of Us Research Program, a large, diverse biomedical dataset funded by the National Institutes of Health.
The current study included 11,192 participants who self-identified as Black Hispanic, white Hispanic, or non-Hispanic Black. Sociodemographic characteristics, health status, healthcare utilization, and health behaviors were assessed. Bivariate chi-squared tests were used to examine the relationships between these variables across the three racial/ethnic groups.
Findings on Intersectionality
The results of this replication study underscore the importance of an intersectional approach to understanding Hispanic health. Significant disparities were found in both health behaviors and health service outcomes among the racial/ethnic groups studied.
Non-Hispanic Black individuals reported the highest rates of hypertension (49.09%) and diabetes (19.62%), compared to Black Hispanic individuals (22.45% and 12.98%, respectively) and white Hispanic individuals (22.22% and 8.02%, respectively). Conversely, Black Hispanic individuals reported the greatest proportion of asthma diagnoses (35.10%) and those who saw a doctor in the previous year (95.52%), compared to white Hispanic individuals (26.84% and 91.10%, respectively) and non-Hispanic Black individuals (21.74% and 94.69%, respectively).
These findings suggest that the intersection of race and ethnicity plays a critical role in shaping health profiles and healthcare utilization among Hispanic subgroups. The unique challenges faced by Black Hispanic individuals, such as the compounding effects of racial discrimination and cultural factors, may contribute to these divergent health outcomes.
Challenges and Limitations
While the use of the All of Us Research Program dataset offers a robust and diverse sample, there are some limitations to consider. The self-reported nature of the data introduces the potential for recall bias, and the exclusion of non-binary and transgender participants may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Additionally, the cross-sectional design of the study precludes causal inferences about the relationships between race, ethnicity, and health outcomes. Longitudinal research is needed to better understand the dynamic, lifelong interplay of these factors and their impact on Hispanic health.
Recommendations for Future Research
The findings of this replication study underscore the critical need to adopt an intersectional framework in Hispanic health research. Future studies should continue to explore the unique experiences and health profiles of diverse Hispanic subgroups, particularly those at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities.
Researchers should also investigate the mechanisms underlying the observed health disparities, such as the role of structural racism, access to culturally responsive healthcare, and the influence of sociocultural factors. Qualitative and mixed-method approaches may provide valuable insights into the lived experiences of Hispanic individuals and the complex interplay of identity, social context, and health.
Applications in Clinical Practice
The implications of this research extend beyond the academic sphere, with important considerations for clinical practice and healthcare delivery. Healthcare providers must recognize the heterogeneity within the Hispanic population and the distinct health needs of different racial/ethnic subgroups. Adopting a patient-centered, culturally responsive approach to care is essential for addressing the unique barriers and facilitators to health and wellness faced by Hispanic individuals.
Targeted interventions and public health initiatives should be designed with an intersectional lens, considering the intersecting identities and social determinants that shape the health experiences of diverse Hispanic communities. By embracing intersectionality in research and practice, we can work towards achieving greater health equity for all Hispanic individuals.
The Wine Garden Inn is committed to supporting research that advances our understanding of the factors shaping health and wellness within diverse communities. We recognize the importance of an intersectional approach to addressing health disparities and are proud to share this important work with our readers.