The Incorporation of Hispanics into the US Health System Considering the Roles of Nativity, Duration and Citizenship: A Case for Acculturation?

Elizabeth Durden, Bucknell University
Robert A. Hummer, University of Texas at Austin

This research examines differences in access to and sources of health care for adults among major Hispanic sub-populations of the United States in comparison to non-Hispanic Whites and Blacks, while considering the influences of nativity, duration and citizenship. Using the National Health Interview Survey from 1999-2001, logistic and mulitnomial regression models are estimated. Mexican American and Other Hispanics were less likely to report access to care in comparison to Non-Hispanic whites. Furthermore, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans and Other Hispanics were much more likely in comparison to Non-Hispanic whites to report the use of a clinic and the emergency room than a private doctor’s office as their source of regular medical care. The impact of nativity, duration and citizenship explain much of the differentials in access to and sources of a regular source of care among Hispanic sub-groups.