The Health Status of Latino Immigrant Women in the united States and Future Health Policy Implications of the Affordable Care Act

Abstract

Immigrant women of Mexican birth face unique health challenges in the United States. They are at increased risk for developing many preventable health conditions due in part to limited access to healthcare and benefits, legal status, and inadequate income. Increased vulnerability of women has established a growing need to focus on their healthcare needs because of their role, position, and influence in the family.The purpose of this article is to review factors that impact the health status of Mexican-born women living in the United States and review policy implications of the Affordable Care Act for this population.Mexican-born women are the largest female immigrant group in the United States. Therefore, they comprise the group that will need health coverage in the greatest proportion. As a result, there will be a need for culturally and linguistically appropriate healthcare services and culturally sensitive providers.

Procuring Health: Experiences of Mexican Immigrant Women in Rural Midwestern Communities

“…In addition, the risk for poor health is even greater for people who are undocumented (people who lack legal migration documentation such as a passport, visa, or residency documentation; Messias, McEwen, & Clark, 2015; Siantz, Castaneda, Benavente, Peart, & Felt, 2013). Undocumented immigrants face stress as a result of their migration to a new country (Messias, 2010), which can be dangerous as it involves ongoing complex processes related to settlement, reorientation, and adaptation, all of which have long-lasting health consequences (Infante, Idrovo, Sanchez-Dominguez, Vinhas, & Gonzalez-Vazquez, 2012).…”

“…They often are referred to as “keepers of the culture and carriers of collective healing experiences” (Bushy, 1991, p. 135). Given the role, position, and influence Latina immigrant mothers have in their families, and the health disparities they face due to limited access to health care, benefits, employment, and legal status (Siantz et al, 2013), further understanding of their perspectives and experiences related to health is valuable. In this study, we explored meanings associated with being healthy, strategies employed to promote health, and challenges and supports to health experienced by a specific subgroup of Latinas—first-generation Mexican immigrant women residing in rural Midwestern communities.…”

Methodological Approaches to Conducting Research on Migration, Pregnancy and Depression with Mexican-Origin Adolescent Women in the United States

“…However, from the little that has been documented, we know that this population is unique in terms of their experience and the effects they display from migrating. Migration research has been narrowly based on quantitative data analyses with the study of youth a minor data point, lacking differentiation of generations, gender, migration stage, or its impact on mental and reproductive health, especially among adolescent girls [8][9][10][11].…”

Women's Health Research: Road Map to the Future

“…8 We live in a globalized world, and we must learn from the experiences of people who move across borders to better meet their needs. de Leon Siantz et al examine the health status of Latino immigrant women in the United States and the consequent policy implications, 9 and in an accompanying editorial, Dr de Leon Siantz discusses the global health implications of the feminization of migration. 10 The success of women's health research depends upon the creation of successful programs around the world and the training of a talented workforce dedicated to this field.…”