Statistics of mortality and illness among Spanish-speaking Americans and the population, in general, are notably different. The main reasons for this difference are discussed here as possible measures that an advanced practice nurse can take to help reduce health disparities among the Spanish-speaking population.
Over the past decade, the level of mortality worldwide has significantly decreased. However, the level of mortality and illness among the Spanish-speaking population is still notably different from the level of mortality and illness among all Americans. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2021, Spanish-speaking Americans died 30% more often than all Americans (Excess Deaths Associated With COVID-19, n.d.). The leading causes may be the differences in mortality and illness levels among the Spanish-speaking population and the whole population, including lack of access to medical services and information resources, economic constraints, and lack of access to proper nutrition (Wahab et al., 2022). Additionally, studies show that fear and lack of trust in medicine can impede Spanish-speaking populations’ access to timely medical care.
There are numerous professional opportunities for advanced practice nurses to overcome health disparities among the Spanish-speaking population. Firstly, nurses can develop positive relationships with patients and provide better services (Wahab et al., 2022). Patients should be allowed to turn to nurses for consultations addressing their needs. Secondly, nurses can provide home visits and actively meet the needs of the Spanish-speaking population (Wahab et al., 2022). Finally, nurses can provide visits and education to patients in prevention, as prevention can help patients prevent serious illnesses.
In conclusion, the level of mortality and illness among the Spanish-speaking population significantly exceeds the level of mortality and illness among the whole population. Lack of access to medical services, economic constraints, and access to proper nutrition are the main causes of this phenomenon. Advanced practice nurses can play an important role in eliminating health disparities among the Spanish-speaking population by developing positive relationships with patients, providing home visits, and offering visits and education in the area of prevention.
References
Excess Deaths Associated with COVID-19. (n.d.). Web.
Wahab, A., Abdelazeem, B., Masood, A., Khakwani, M., Jakka, B. K., Koduru, U., & Ehsan, H. (2022). Association of medical uninsurance with sociodemographic attributes in US cancer population: A cross-sectional study of NHANES data 2013 to 2018. Medicine, 101(38), e30539. Web.