The article “Intersectionality, migration and the social determinants of health: A framework for understanding the health of Hispanic women” by Molina and Alegría (2017) explores the intersectionality of factors that affect the health of Hispanic women, particularly those who have migrated to the United States. The authors provide a compelling argument that the social determinants of health, including poverty, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare, can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health outcomes of Hispanic women.
The article begins by providing an overview of the concept of intersectionality and how it can be applied to understanding health disparities among Hispanic women. The authors argue that it is not enough to examine the effects of a single factor, such as race or gender, on health outcomes. Instead, they propose a framework that takes into account the complex interplay between multiple social determinants of health, including migration status, language barriers, and socioeconomic status.
One key point the authors make is that Hispanic women who migrate to the United States often experience a “double jeopardy” of social determinants of health. They may face discrimination based on their race or ethnicity, as well as their status as immigrants, which can lead to increased stress, poorer mental health, and limited access to healthcare. Additionally, many Hispanic women who migrate to the United States come from low-income backgrounds, which can exacerbate the impact of these other factors on their health.
The article also explores the unique challenges that Hispanic women face in accessing healthcare in the United States. Language barriers, lack of health insurance, and fear of deportation can all contribute to a reluctance to seek out medical care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, as well as higher rates of chronic disease and mortality.
Molina and Alegría also suggest several strategies for addressing the social determinants of health that affect Hispanic women. These include improving access to healthcare and health insurance, providing culturally sensitive care, and addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination. The authors also emphasize the importance of engaging Hispanic communities in these efforts, as they are often best equipped to identify the most pressing health concerns and develop solutions that are tailored to their specific needs.
Molina and Alegría’s article provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex factors that contribute to the health outcomes of Hispanic women, particularly those who have migrated to the United States. The authors highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing health disparities that takes into account the social determinants of health and the intersecting factors that contribute to poor health outcomes. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, healthcare providers and policymakers can work to improve the health and well-being of Hispanic women and reduce disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
Reference:
Title: Racial trauma recovery: a race-informed therapeutic approach to racial wounds.
Author: Comas-Díaz, L.
Year of publication: 2016.
Book title: The Cost of Racism for People of Color: Contextualizing Experiences of Discrimination.
Editors: Alvarez, A. N., Liang, C. T. H., and Neville, H. A.
Place of publication: Washington, DC.
Publisher: American Psychological Association.
Page numbers: 249-272.