FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: APHA Media Relations
Latinos have been historically underrepresented in public health and healthcare research data, despite being the second-largest racial-ethnic group in the country. In pursuit of supporting health research on the complex fabric and multi-level influences of Latino health in the United States, the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) has released its newest supplement, “Advancing Hispanic/Latino Health Research Pa’Lante.” This groundbreaking publication, made possible with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, confronts the longstanding paucity of Latino health research by illuminating the policies, systems, structures and narratives that perpetuate Latino health inequities and reinforce oppression. It serves to amplify diverse voices of the multiplicity of Latino cultures, aspects of nativity, and intersectionality and support research that generates actionable evidence that reflects the lived experiences of Latino individuals and communities.
All articles are open access, and many authors have provided Spanish language abstracts to ensure broad dissemination of knowledge in an effort to generate a more holistic understanding of Latino health for all. By elevating Latino voices and cross-disciplinary collaboration, researchers aim to elucidate the multi-level influences on Latino health outcomes, build power, influence policy change, produce actionable evidence, move toward decolonizing knowledge and expand outreach efforts to foster a more inclusive research community.
"As the second-largest racial-ethnic group in the United States, Latinos play a crucial role in shaping the future of public health," said Cynthia Lebron. "The release of this supplement marks a pivotal moment in public health research when the experiences and perspectives of Latino communities are centered and oppressive policies, systems, structures and narratives are challenged."
Articles in this issue include:
- A reflection on the birth of APHA’s Chicano-Latino Caucus 50 years ago.
- An exploration of the cultural practices, family support and ties, and immigrant status that created the Hispanic paradox, or better health outcomes among some Latino populations but not others, and what the future may hold.
- A study of the shortcomings of the US Census, which considers the Latino population to be monolithic or homogenous, even though Latino individuals self-identify with 19 Latin American and Caribbean countries and European, African and Native Indigenous ancestries.
- A report about the unique challenges faced by Puerto Rican mothers that affect maternal and birth outcomes—the historical roots, systemic disparities, and the urgent need for integrative care and evidence-based interventions.
- An initiative by the Latino Center for Health to analyze the current Latina/o physician workforce, interpret the data, make policy recommendations, and develop communication and dissemination strategies.
In addition to traditional research articles, Advancing Hispanic/Latino Health Research Pa’Lante features analytic essays and editorials that reflect the diverse methodologies and perspectives in Latino health research, and provides a platform for emerging Latino scholars. This special AJPH supplement is available online. Please contact APHA Media Relations if you would like to schedule an interview with any of our authors.
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Support for this supplement was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the foundation.
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The American Public Health Association champions optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. Learn more at www.apha.org.