Gender health on the US-Mexico border

Background: Evidence is mounting about which diseases affect women and men differently, the reasons behind these differences, and ways to better design prevention and treatment strategies to address them. While these facts have been well documented in the literature, no specific information is available on the US-Mexico border population.

Methods: 2004 mortality data provide information on leading causes of death and death rates for specific causes among Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites in the U.S. Mexico border region. State hospital discharge data systems provide information on hospital stays and procedures. Risk factor and access to care information come from 2000-2003 Health Interview Survey data.

Results: The most important causes of death for both Whites and Hispanics in the border region are heart diseases and cancer, however death rates for both causes are higher in non-Hispanic White women (heart: 152; cancer: 153) and men (249; 212) compared to Hispanic women(135; 103) and men (210; 163). While diabetes comes next as a leading cause of death for border Hispanic women (36) and men (42), non-Hispanic White women and men die as a consequence of diabetes at a lower rate (15; 21). Additional data on risk factors and hospital discharge will be provided during presentation.

Conclusion: Both border non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics face significant health problems mostly related to their restricted access to care including health and health care education. The leading causes of death presented can be reduced by controlling risk factors. Gender differences in health beliefs and behaviors across racial and ethnic groups can seriously affect health outcomes. Greater efforts by state and local health authorities should target the promotion of healthy lifestyles, increased screening programs, and better understanding of the health care system and the opportunities available to access care.