Health equity in U.S. Latinx populations

Latinx individuals are a key United States demographic, consisting of 19% of the total U.S. population. The U.S. Latinx population is diverse based on ancestry, nativity, race, immigration status, and other important social indicators. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in 2020, Latinx populations have emerged as one of the most disadvantaged in terms of morbidity and mortality. Disproportionate health burden and inequitable opportunities for health and access to healthcare are barriers encountered by many U.S. Latinx populations. This chapter reviews key terminology, demographics, and health status, as well as the social and structural determinants of burden and healthcare access and quality, for U.S. Latinx populations. It presents Latinx-specific models of health equity and describes emerging interventions, programs, and policies for achieving health equity in this population. The chapter offers best practices in designing such efforts and illustrates best practices through a case study.