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Hispanic Heritage and Liver Disease
Since 1988, September 15 through October 15 has been dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month. It is a time to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. Although it encompasses four geographic areas, it includes 21 countries.
- Argentina
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Spain
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Each country is unique in culture, food, and music. They also have similarities, such as the language most speak, Spanish, and, unfortunately, the diseases that affect this group.
One of the health concerns for the Hispanic community is Liver Disease. The Department of Health and Human Services states that Hispanics are almost two times more likely (1.6 for men and 1.7 for women) to die from liver disease and IBD cancer than non-Hispanic whites.
Why? The research shows that drinking patterns among Hispanics are different from non-Hispanic Whites and other ethnic or racial groups. Although, in general, Hispanics are less likely to drink than non-Hispanic whites, those who choose to drink are more likely to consume higher volumes of alcohol.
The consequences are severe.
- Alcohol dependence:
33% of Hispanics who become alcohol dependent have recurrent or persistent problems, compared with 22.8% of non-Hispanic whites. - Drunk Driving:
Among Hispanics who drink, Mexican American men and women and South/Central American men are most likely to receive a DUI. - Liver Disease:
Hispanic men develop liver disease at high rates. White Hispanic men have the highest rate of alcohol-related cirrhosis of all ethnic or racial groups.
What factors contribute to the high incidences of liver disease in the Hispanic population?
- Environmental
- Genetic
- Behavioral
There are also a few disparities that contribute to these high incidences
- Socioeconomic
- Healthcare Access
For more information, you can visit the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism websites at the following links:
https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlID=64
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/alcohol-and-hispanic-community
– Updated September 1, 2023
