Health Disparities Between Central and South Americans and other Latinos Living in the United States

Abstract

This literature review provides an overview of the Latino epidemiological paradox and health disparities between Central/South Americans and other Hispanics living in the United States. Prior research has demonstrated that foreign-born Latinos have better overall health compared to those who aren’t foreign-born. Latinos also have a lower mortality rate compared to non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans. While it is unknown why these disparities exist, various hypotheses centered on the causes of the Latino paradox exist. These hypotheses will be addressed in the literature review and potential health protective factors that Hispanics/Latinos exhibit will be evaluated. In addition, health disparities exist between Latino groups, and this will be addressed as well. Due to the large size and growth of the Latino population in the U.S., understanding their health is a nationwide priority.