Prevalence and correlates of perceived ethnic discrimination in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study.

Abstract

Empirical studies examining perceived ethnic discrimination in Latinos of diverse background groups are limited. This study examined prevalence and correlates of discrimination in a diverse sample of U.S. Latinos (N=5,291) from the multi-site Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) and HCHS/SOL Sociocultural Ancillary Study. The sample permitted an examination of differences across seven groups (Central American, Cuban, Dominican, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South American, and Other/Multiple Background). Most participants (79.5%) reported lifetime discrimination exposure and prevalence rates ranged from 64.9% to 98% across groups. Structural Equation Models (SEM) indicated that after adjusting for sociodemographic covariates most group differences in reports of discrimination were eliminated. However, Cubans reported the lowest levels of discrimination, overall among all groups. Furthermore, regional effects were more important than group effects. Participants from Chicago reported the highest levels of discrimination in comparison to other regions. Group differences among Latinos appear to be primarily a function of sociodemographic differences in education, income, and acculturation. In addition, differences in exposure to discrimination may be tied to variables associated with both immigration patterns and integration to U.S. culture. Results highlight the importance of considering historical context and the intersection of discrimination and immigration when evaluating the mental health of Latinos.

Experiencing discrimination in Los Angeles: Latinos at the intersection of legal status and socioeconomic status

“…In recognition of their growing prominence and unique constellation of structural disadvantages, Latinos occupy an important place in this nascent literature (Arellano-Morales et al 2015; Becerra et al 2013; Flippen and Parrado 2015; AUTHOR, DATE). 1 But because fully half of Latino adults are foreign born, continued progress in understanding their experience with discrimination requires expansion of theoretical and analytic frameworks (Krogstad and Lopez 2014).…”

“…Ethnoracial group membership can be viewed as a potential master status that intersects with other statuses such as gender, age, socioeconomic position, and authorization to live in the United States (Arellano-Morales et al 2015). Because statuses that shape social interactions and access to opportunities overlap, discrimination based on one form of disadvantage may increase in the presence of another form of disadvantage.…”

“…A key theoretical proposition of intersectionality is that overlapping positions in multiple status hierarchies result in complex social inequalities that shape individuals' experiences, including those with discrimination. In addition to ethnicity and race, one must consider demographic, socioeconomic, and immigration-related statuses that may engender discrimination (Arellano-Morales et al 2015). …”

Association Between Immigration History and Inflammatory Marker Profiles Among Older Adult Mexican Americans

“…It is possible that other factors, such as psychosocial stressors and discrimination, play an important role in the association between immigration history and inflammation. Previous research in Hispanic populations have shown that as Hispanic immigrants live in the US longer and become more acculturated, they also self-report experiencing greater exposure to psychosocial stressors (Arellano-Morales et al, 2015; Perez et al, 2008), which have documented links to inflammation (Cunningham et al, 2012; Kershaw et al, 2016b; Lewis et al, 2010). Unfortunately, our study did not collect data on exposure to discrimination; therefore, it is important for future work to explore the role of discrimination in the association between immigration status and inflammation.…”

“…Higher rates of discrimination were reported for Hispanic immigrants living in US longer and among second and third Hispanic immigrants (Perez et al, 2008). Similarly, the prevalence of reported discrimination was higher among US-born Hispanics (vs. to foreign-born Hispanics) and Hispanics with ≥10 years of US residence (Arellano-Morales et al, 2015). …”