In assessing lifestyle habits, black Americans were more likely to say they were making a significant effort to maintain or improve their health — 79 percent — compared with 69 percent of Hispanics and whites.
Hispanics and blacks Americans were more likely than whites to say they were trying to limit portion sizes and working hard to reach or maintain a healthy weight. Yet most participants said they ate less than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Hispanics were more likely to say the cost of fruits and vegetables prevented them from buying produce regularly.
When it came to health care, fewer Hispanics thought access to affordable care had a strong impact on health: 67 percent compared with more than three-quarters of whites and blacks.
Considering that U.S. Census project that Hispanics will represent more than a quarter of Americans by 2060, the new survey provides important insights about the country’s largest ethnic group, said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association.
For instance, beyond the assessments of their own health, the survey suggests “Latinos’ health is affected by insurance status and cost concerns,” he said.
Indeed, Hispanics with health insurance are more likely than uninsured Hispanics to report that their health is excellent or very good — 53 percent versus 37 percent. Plus, both Hispanic and black participants were significantly more likely than white participants to report that cost prevented them from getting prescription medicines or seeing a doctor.
The numbers also show most survey participants said the government should do more to help people become healthier — even if it costs taxpayers more money.
In addition, the results show that Hispanic-Americans were much more likely to support taxes on beverages with added sugar. More Hispanic participants also supported increasing the price of cigarettes to reduce smoking.
The survey was funded in part by the Healthy Americas Foundation and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
