Latino health in the new millennium: The need for a culture-centered approach

Studies have consistently shown race and ethnicity to be important determin ants of health. The specific nature of this influence, however, is still a mystery. In the new millennium, racial and ethnic differentials in health a re bound to become a major focus in medical sociology not only because of t heir persistence but also because of the demographic changes taking place i n the United States. It is estimated that racial and ethnic minorities are expected to increase from the current level of 25 % of all Americans to 40 % by 2030 and that minority groups will make up more than hall of the U.S. population by 2050. Thus, overcoming health disparities attributable to rac e and ethnicity has become more urgent in ensuring good health for the nati on. This article suggests that analyses of the health status of Latinos, th e second largest minority group in the country, must attend to cultural fac tors. The need for a culture-specific approach to Latino health is indispen sable to such discourses in medical sociology.