Oral

The Hispanic population represents approximately 13% of the United States population (Census, 2000). Census projections estimate a tremendous growth in the proportion of people who consider them self to be Hispanic. Lack of health care, barriers to access and use of care, and linguistic and cultural issues are factors which may influence the disproportional burden of chronic and infectious diseases. The purpose of this session is to highlight the implications of health behaviors in chronic disease control. This session is relevant to public health leaders interested in responding to the role of health behaviors in improving the health status of the Hispanic community.

Session Objectives: 1.Identify the barriers related to providing a culturally appropriate health care message to improve the health and well-being of Latino women 2.Decribe educational outreach activities conducted by the National Eye Health Education Program of the National Eye Institute 3.Understand the heterogeneity of the Hispanic population with relation to the prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension 4. Discuss the relationship between Latino enclave effects and cancer screening 5. Describe the differences in health behaviors among rural Mexicans, Urban Mexicans and Mexican Americans.