Exploring the social-cultural barriers of mental health among Hispanics
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Mental health disparities among Latino populations in the United States remain a significant public health concern; Latinos experience lower access to mental health services and higher rates of treatment discontinuation compared to their white counterparts. Structural barriers, such as high costs, lack of insurance, and inadequate access to culturally competent care, contribute to these disparities. Cultural factors, including stigma surrounding mental health and differing perspectives on mental illness, further exacerbate the unmet needs within the community. For Latino immigrants in particular, socioeconomic challenges such as poverty and limited awareness of available services further restrict access to care. A critical gap exists between potential access to care and realized access with high rates of untreated mental illness among Latinos highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues. Stigma, low mental health literacy, and cultural values such as familismo impede Latino individuals from seeking necessary mental health care. Interventions focused on enhancing social support and addressing unique coping mechanisms can improve mental health outcomes in this population. Culturally competent interventions, particularly those targeting healthcare providers, are essential to improve engagement and care for Latino patients. Prior research emphasizes the need for programs that integrate cultural competence training, social support, and the recognition of cultural factors influencing health behaviors.
This study aims to develop and implement an educational program to enhance cultural sensitivity and competence among primary healthcare providers working with Hispanic patients. Grounded in Social Learning Theory and Transformative Learning Theory, the program will use a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design to assess changes in healthcare providers' confidence and effectiveness in delivering culturally competent mental health care. Participants will be divided into an intervention group receiving 16 hours of training and a control group. Results will be compared to determine the impact of the training on providers’ cultural competence.
Despite limitations such as potential selection bias and self-reporting, this study’s design leverages proven adult learning theories to create a robust and practical intervention. By addressing cultural competence gaps, the study aims to reduce mental health disparities and improve the quality of care for Latino populations, ultimately contributing to greater health equity.
Description
2025