16 - Women's Health: A Cultural Perspective

Abstract

Many groups of minority women have higher rates of health risks as compared to the majority white women. The chapter discusses the four minority groups of women including, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Hispanic/Latina women, Native American, and African Americans. The major factors that result in deteriorated health conditions among the ethnic group are as follows: (1) gender-role issues, (2) environmental stressors such as racial discrimination, (3) sexism, (4) high-risk health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet), and (5) cultural beliefs and practices. The leading causes of death and morbidity in culturally diverse women's groups are similar to those for “majority” white women, but research demonstrates differential rates or impact in “minority” women. Pregnancy, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS are the major health areas of concern in minority women.