An examination of the need for diversifying the health professions workforce in rural Nebraska

Background: Representing the fastest growing population in rural Nebraska, Hispanics remain underrepresented in the health professions in a region which already experiences provider shortages. Growing a health profession workforce that reflects the increasing proportion of the Latino population is important for the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate service delivery and to address shortages.  

Methods: Employing Microsoft Excel we calculated Hispanic and non-Hispanic White population change rates between 2000 and 2010 using Census Data.  We identified the number of practicing Hispanic and Spanish speaking providers in Nebraska through the University of Nebraska Health Professions Tracking Service. In tandem, we conducted a cross-sectional survey at a rural community health center of Spanish speaking Latino adults (N=202) to examine participants’ knowledge of health professions education requirements and perceived need for Hispanic providers.

Results:  Between 2000 and 2010 the rural Hispanic Nebraska population increased by 63.3%, while the Non-Hispanic White population decreased by 6.8%. Less than one percent of rural Nebraska primary care providers reported being of Hispanic origin, and only two percent report Spanish speaking ability. While 97% of survey participants believed there is a need for more Hispanic health professionals in rural Nebraska, only 15% of respondents indicated knowledge of health professions education requirements.  

Conclusion: Hispanics will represent 51.2% of the rural Nebraska population by 2049 if demographic changes continue at the same rate. Rural Nebraska health professions shortages may be exacerbated if Hispanics remain underrepresented in these fields to the same degree as presently.