Oral

Hispanic/Latinos (H/L) represent an estimated 15% of the US population (US Census Bureau, 2007), during the next three decades this population is expected to greatly increase and will impact many key areas of our society including the health sector. Of foremost concern is ensuring access to adequate health care for this population. Equally important is the requirement that providers of preventive and clinical health services be cognizant of the varying levels of acculturation and health literacy of the population they serve. Employing effective communication strategies is essential to ensuring that programs and services will meet the needs of those served and can assist in reducing health disparities. The purpose of this session is to provide evidence that differential levels of acculturation and health literacy in the H/L population are associated with risk factors and behaviors that are associated with a broad range of chronic diseases. The session will also explore culturally-appropriate interventions for reducing health disparities. This session is relevant to public health leaders and providers interested in better understanding the role of acculturation and language in diet, obesity, depression and implications for improving communication messages and services.

Session Objectives: 1.Assess differences in obesity prevalence among Hispanic adults based on acculturation status. 2.Identify factors that influence fat intake and weight gain in individuals with low acculturation. 3.Compare lifestyle counseling habits among physicians who speak Spanish versus English to Spanish-only speaking patients. 4.Describe ways to prevent acculturation to negative dietary habits 5.Describe how acculturation and language influence information seeking in Hispanic/Latino populations.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)