Assessing health issues and health behaviors among younger and older Latino immigrants in rural communities

Hispanics are the fastest growing segment of the general population in the United States. However, relatively little is known about the health care conditions and health behaviors of older Latinos compared to younger Latinos, particularly in rural communities in the upper Midwest. This study, based on a larger, ongoing research effort among rural Latino populations, assessed the current health conditions, practices, risk factors and health information preferences among rural Latino adults (n=941). Comparisons and contrasts between older (60+) and younger adults were made. Results indicate that compared to their younger counterparts, older adult Latinos in rural areas had more difficulty in accessing medical and dental health services (p<0.01), engaged less frequently in high risk health behaviors (p<0.05) and had different preferences for receiving health information (p<0.01). The findings suggest that increased attention to the specific health care needs, access issues and communication issues should be factors to consider when promoting health among older Latino populations.