Chronic conditions management: The role of community interventions

As the Hispanic/Latino population continues to grow at an accelerated rate, the reduction and ultimate elimination of health disparities has become a national priority and requires an interdisciplinary approach. Health disparities research with a specific focus on Latino/Hispanic populations and inclusive of other racial and ethnic groups addresses arenas of national interest such as prevention and management of conditions such as diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular, cancer, and occupational health. The last decade has witnessed an increase in chronic conditions among Latino especially diabetes, high cholesterol, unmanaged hypertension and cardiovascular related risk factors such as obesity and low physical exercise.

Interventions at the community level are a key element to reduce risk factors for chronic conditions, to manage chronic conditions, and in turn reduce disease burden. Environmental, psychosocial and physical health care issues must be given equal consideration and resources in the policy (ACA) agenda when addressing barriers to care faced by Latinos. Policy implications of the research findings, such as health insurance coverage, can provide direction on how policy can be most effectively implemented at the national and state level and to community leaders to assure that findings are translated and integrated into systems change to reduce health