Shondelle M. Wilson-Frederick, Ph.D.; Gloria González, Ph.D., M.A.;

Chazeman S. Jackson, Ph.D., M.A.; Lacreisha N. Ejike-King, Ph.D., M.S. and

Rashida R. Dorsey, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Overview

Reducing health disparities in the nation is a goal for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

(HHS), and the Affordable Care Act is making important strides toward meeting that goal. About 16.4 

million uninsured people have gained health insurance coverage since the provisions of the Affordable 

Care Act took effect, including 4.2 million Hispanics/Latinos. And while the uninsured rate fell across all 

race and ethnicity categories, there was a greater decline among Hispanics/Latinos and Black/African 

Americans than whites. The uninsured rate among Hispanics/Latinos has dropped by 12.3 percentage 

points since the start of the first open enrollment period in October 2013. Additionally, 8.8 million 

Hispanics/Latinos with private health insurance now have access to preventive services, including 

tobacco cessation with no cost-sharing. With the expansion of Medicaid and the addition of $11 billion to 

fund 1,300 community health centers throughout the country, the Affordable Care Act has substantially 

impacted communities of color.

This data brief focuses on a key provision of this landmark legislation that strengthens data collection 

standards that will help improve public health strategies and practices to address health disparities. New 

data collection standards issued in 2011 by HHS under Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act, allow 

for additional levels of detail for race and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, sex, primary language, and disability 

status collected in population health surveys conducted by the Department. This added granularity 

supports the monitoring of racial and ethnic health disparities in communities and enhances the ability of 

public health officials to identify and track the health and health care status of many population groups.

The HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) has produced this data brief to highlight the importance of 

the HHS data standards by examining the health status of a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males. 

Despite Hispanics/Latinos representing the largest minority group in the nation, their health needs remain 

poorly understood. Hispanics/Latinos are a heterogeneous population with historical, cultural, linguistic, 

generational, and socioeconomic differences. Health issues experienced by Hispanics/Latinos are often 

masked when data are aggregated into a single ethnic category. Deepening our understanding of diversity 

within minority populations provides even greater insights into strategies for addressing health care and 

health disparities. This data brief underscores the significance of the Affordable Care Act in helping to 

close the gap in health disparities.

Data included in this brief were collected prior to the establishment of the Health Insurance Marketplace

and the brief describes issues that contribute to poor health outcomes among groups of non-elderly 

Hispanic/Latino males. This information will assist in developing tailored, culturally and linguistically 

appropriate interventions to reduce health disparities. From shaping those interventions to demonstrating 

the need for all Americans, including Hispanic/Latino males, to have access to quality affordable health 

care, the new data standards under Section 4302 are a vital component of the Affordable Care Act.
Shondelle M. Wilson-Frederick, Ph.D.; Gloria González, Ph.D., M.A.; Chazeman S. Jackson, 

Ph.D., M.A.; Lacreisha N. Ejike-King, Ph.D., M.S. and Rashida R. Dorsey, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Background

Previous studies have shown sex differences in cardiovascular 

risk factors, such as hypertension prevalence and smoking 

rates among Hispanics/Latinos [1, 2]. However limited 

evidence exists on the varying health outcomes among diverse 

groups of adult Hispanic/Latino males. Hispanics/Latinos are 

a heterogeneous population; however analyses using national 

data sources are often limited by small sample sizes or only 

include few Hispanic/Latino groups. The growing proportion 

of the Hispanic/Latino population in the United States supports 

the importance of collecting and reporting detailed data for 

population groups.

With the implementation of Section 4302 of the Affordable 

Care Act, HHS adopted new data collection standards for race, 

ethnicity, sex, primary language and disability status that 

include additional granularity for race and Hispanic/Latino 

ethnicity [3]. More granular or detailed information on 

demographic data strengthen data collections by providing 

information on differential health needs and access to care that 

may exist within a particular population group. 

We present estimates using data collected from the Centers for 

Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for 

Health Statistics (NCHS), National Health Interview Survey 

(NHIS 2002-2012). For the purposes of this brief, adult 

Hispanic/Latino males are considered as non-elderly persons

residing in the United States who self-identify as 

Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin. This analysis of 21,483 nonelderly Hispanic/Latino males includes: Central/South 

Americans (17 percent), Cuban/Cuban Americans (5 percent), 

Dominicans (3 percent), Mexicans (41 percent), Mexican 

Americans (25 percent), and Puerto Ricans (10 percent). This 

data brief provides information on non-elderly Hispanic/Latino

males prior to the establishment of the Health Insurance 

Marketplace and the expansion of Medicaid eligibility under 

the Affordable Care Act.

Keywords

disaggregated data, health disparities, Hispanic/Latino group, men’s health, social determinants of health, 

Section 4302 of the Affordable Care Act

Highlights

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino 

males, 78% of Puerto Ricans, 72% of 

Mexican Americans, 71% of 

Dominicans, 69% of Cuban/Cuban 

Americans, and 53% of Central/South 

Americans were classified as insured.

Less than half of non-elderly Dominican 

(40%), Puerto Rican (40%), Mexican 

American (35%), Central/South 

American (30%), Cuban/Cuban 

American (30%), and Mexican (24%) 

males had a usual place for preventive 

care.

Nearly four out of five non-elderly 

Dominican males (highest among six 

groups of Hispanic/Latino males) were 

classified as never smokers.

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino 

males, only 29% of non-elderly 

Central/South Americans, Cuban/Cuban 

Americans, and Dominicans (highest 

among six groups of Hispanic/Latino 

males) had a healthy weight.

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino 

males, 31% of Dominicans, 26% of 

Mexican Americans, 26% of Puerto 

Ricans, 24% of Cuban/Cuban 

Americans, 20% of Mexicans and 17% 

of Central/South Americans had been 

diagnosed with hypertension.

Data from the CDC/NCHS NHIS 2002-

2012 based on household interviews of 

a sample of 21,483 civilian noninstitutionalized adult Hispanic/Latino 

males (ages 18 to 64 years).

Page 2
What is the nativity status among adult Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18 to 64 

years) in the United States?

Figure 1. Nativity status and length of time in the United States among a diverse group of adult 

Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. U.S.-born 

includes anyone who was a born in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories. The 

foreign-born population includes anyone who was not born in the United States or a U.S. territory. Due to rounding, 

sum of bars for each Hispanic/Latino group may not equal 100 percent. All prevalence estimates were age-adjusted

to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in nativity and length of time in the Unites States among a diverse group of

Hispanic/Latino males, p<0.001

U.S.-born:

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males, the highest proportion of U.S.-born males included Puerto 

Ricans (96 percent) and Mexican Americans (82 percent). A lower proportion of Cuban/Cuban American 

(31 percent), Dominican (20 percent), Mexican (18 percent), and Central/South American (12 percent) 

were classified as U.S.-born.

Foreign-born, less than 10 years in the United States:

Among foreign-born non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males, 26 percent of Central/South Americans, 21

percent of Mexicans, 18 percent of Cuban/Cuban Americans lived in the United States for less than 10 

years. A lower proportion of foreign-born non-elderly Dominican (14 percent), Mexican American (2

percent), and Puerto Rican (1 percent) males lived in the United States for less than 10 years.

1 2

2 6

6 1

3 1

1 8

5 1

2 0

1 4

6 6

1 8

2 1

6 1

8 2

2

1 6

9 6

1

3

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

7 0

8 0

9 0

100

U.S.-born Foreign-born, less than 10 years in 

the United States

Foreign-born, 10 years or more in the 

United States Percent

Nativity status and length of time in the United States

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 3
Foreign-born, 10 years or more in the United States:

More than half of foreign-born non-elderly Dominican (66 percent), Central/South American (61

percent), Mexican (61 percent), and Cuban/Cuban American (51 percent) males lived in the United States 

for 10 years or more. A lower proportion of foreign-born non-elderly Mexican American (16 percent) 

and Puerto Rican (3 percent) males lived in the United States for 10 years or more.

Page 4
What is the marital status among adult Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18 to 64 

years) in the United States?

Figure 2. Marital status among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. All 

prevalence estimates were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in marital status among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, p<0.001

Overall, a majority of non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males were married. Non-elderly Mexicans 

represented the highest proportion (72 percent) of Hispanic/Latino males who were married. Among nonelderly Hispanic/Latino males, 67 percent of Central/South Americans, 66 percent of Cuban/Cuban 

Americans, 64 percent Mexican Americans, 63 percent of Dominicans, and 62 percent of Puerto Ricans 

were married. 

6 7 6 6

6 3

7 2

6 4

6 2

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

7 0

8 0

Married Percent

Marital status

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 5
What is the educational attainment among adult Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18

to 64 years) in the United States?

Figure 3. Educational attainment among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-

2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. GED is a 

certificate of general education development. Due to rounding, sum of bars for each Hispanic/Latino group may not 

equal 100 percent. All prevalence estimates were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in educational attainment among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, p<0.001

Less than high school:

Non-elderly Mexican males (59 percent) represented the highest proportion of Hispanic/Latino males 

completing less than a high school level of education. A lower proportion of non-elderly Central/South 

American (34 percent), Dominican (32 percent), Puerto Rican (29 percent), Mexican American (28

percent), and Cuban/Cuban American (19 percent) males completed less than high school. 

High school/ GED:

Non-elderly Mexican American males (31 percent) had the highest proportion of high school/GED 

completion. A lower proportion of non-elderly Puerto Rican (30 percent), Cuban/Cuban American (27

percent), Dominican (25 percent), Central/South American (24 percent), and Mexican (22 percent) males 

completed high school/GED.

3 4

2 4

4 3

1 9

2 7

5 4

3 2

2 5

4 3

5 9

2 2

1 9

2 8

3 1

4 1

2 9 3 0

4 0

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

7 0

Less than high school High school/GED Some college or greater Percent

Educational Attainment

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 6
Some college or greater:

Non-elderly Cuban/Cuban American males (54 percent) had the highest proportion of completing some 

college or greater. A lower proportion of non-elderly Central/South American (43 percent), Dominican 

(43 percent), Mexican American (41 percent), Puerto Rican (40 percent), and Mexican (19 percent) males 

completed some college or greater.

Page 7
What is the reported annual household income among adult Hispanic/Latino 

males (ages 18 to 64 years) in the United States?

Figure 4. Reported annual household income among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males

(NHIS 2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. 

Observations missing on income are not shown. Due to rounding, sum of bars for each Hispanic/Latino group may 

not equal 100 percent. All prevalence estimates were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in reported annual household income among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino 

males, p<0.001

Annual household income of $34,999 or less:

Among non-elderly males, Dominicans (54 percent) and Mexicans (53 percent) reported the highest 

percentage of annual household income in this category. A lower proportion of non-elderly Central/South 

American (44 percent), Cuban/Cuban American (44 percent), Puerto Rican (41 percent), and Mexican 

American (38 percent) males reported an annual household income of $34,999 or less.

Annual household income of $35,000 to $74,999:

Among non-elderly males, Mexican Americans (43 percent), Puerto Ricans (42 percent) and 

Central/South Americans (40 percent) reported the highest percentage of annual household income in this 

category. A lower proportion of non-elderly Mexican (38 percent), Dominican (35 percent), and 

Cuban/Cuban American (32 percent) males reported an annual household income of $35,000 to $74,999. 

4 4

4 0

1 6

4 4

3 2

2 4

5 4

3 5

11

5 3

3 8

1 0

3 8

4 3

1 8

4 1 4 2

1 7

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

$34,999 or less $35,000 to $74,999 $75,000 or greater Percent

Annual household income

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 8
Annual household income of $75,000 or greater:

Non-elderly Cuban/Cuban American (24 percent) males reported the highest percentage of household 

income in this category. A lower proportion of non-elderly Mexican American (18 percent), Puerto Rican 

(17 percent), Central/South American (16 percent), Dominican (11 percent), and Mexican (10 percent) 

males reported an annual household income of $75,000 or greater.

Page 9
What is the health insurance coverage status among adult Hispanic/Latino males 

(ages 18 to 64 years) in the United States?

Figure 5. Health insurance coverage status among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 

2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. Nonelderly Hispanic/Latino males were considered insured if they had any private health insurance, government-, or 

state-sponsored health insurance plans. All prevalence estimates were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population

standard.

Statistical significant difference in health insurance coverage status among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, 

p<0.001

Non-elderly Puerto Rican males (78 percent) represented the highest proportion of Hispanic/Latino males 

with health insurance coverage. Additionally, a high proportion of non-elderly Mexican American (72 

percent), Dominican (71 percent), Cuban/Cuban American (69 percent) and Central/South American (53 

percent) males had health insurance coverage. Non-elderly Mexican males (48 percent) represented the 

lowest proportion of Hispanic/Latino males with health insurance coverage. 

5 3

6 9 7 1

4 8

7 2

7 8

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

7 0

8 0

9 0

Insured Percent

Health insurance coverage

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 10
What proportion of adult Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18 to 64 years) in the U.S.

report having a usual place for preventive care?

Figure 6. Proportion of adult Hispanic/Latino males who have a usual place for preventive care (NHIS 

2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. All 

prevalence estimates were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard. Individuals who reported not 

obtaining preventive care anywhere or going to the emergency room for preventive care were classified as not having

a usual place for preventive care.

Significant difference in having a usual place for preventive care among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, 

p<0.001

Dominicans (40 percent) and Puerto Ricans (40 percent) represented the highest proportion of non-elderly 

Hispanic males who had a usual place for preventive care. Thirty-five percent of non-elderly Mexican 

American, 30 percent of Central/South American, 30 percent of Cuban/Cuban American, and 24 percent 

of Mexican males had a usual place for preventive care.

3 0 3 0

4 0

2 4

3 5

4 0

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

4 5

Has usual place for preventive care Percent

Usual place for preventive care

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 11
When do adult Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18 to 64 years) in the U.S. report last 

seeing a dentist?

Figure 7. Last dental visit among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. Due to 

rounding, sum of bars for each Hispanic/Latino group may not equal 100 percent.. All prevalence estimates were 

age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in last dental visit among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, p<0.001

Never:

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males, 7 percent of Mexicans, 5 percent of Central/South Americans, 

2 percent of Cuban/Cuban Americans, and 1 percent of Dominicans, Mexican Americans, and Puerto 

Ricans never had a dental visit.

More than 1 year ago:

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males, 54 percent of Mexicans, 51 percent of Mexican Americans, 

46 percent of Central/South Americans, 46 percent of Puerto Ricans, 42 percent of Cuban/Cuban 

Americans, and 38 percent of Dominicans had a dental visit more than 1 year ago.

5

4 6

1 8

3 2

2

4 2

1 7

3 8

1

3 8

2 4

3 7

7

5 4

1 6

2 2

1

5 1

1 7

3 0

1

4 6

1 8

3 5

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

Never More than 1 year ago More than 6 months, but not 

more than 1 year ago

6 months or less Percent

Last dental visit

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 12
More than 6 months, but not more than 1 year ago: 

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males, 24 percent of Dominicans, 18 percent of Central/South 

Americans, 18 percent of Puerto Ricans, 17 percent Cuban/Cuban Americans, 17 percent of Mexican 

Americans and 16 percent of Mexicans had a dental visit more than 6 months, but less than 1 year ago.

6 months or less:

Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males, 38 percent of Cuban/Cuban Americans, 37 percent of 

Dominicans, 35 percent of Puerto Ricans, 32 percent of Central/South Americans, 30 percent of Mexican 

Americans, and 22 percent of Mexicans had a dental visit in the past 6 months or less.

Page 13
What is the prevalence of having a flu shot in the past 12 months among adult

Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18 to 64 years) in the United States?

Figure 8. Prevalence of having a flu shot in the past 12 months among a diverse group of adult 

Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. All 

prevalence estimates were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in having a flu shot in the past 12 months among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino 

males, p<0.001

A low proportion of non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males had obtained a flu shot in the past 12 months. 

Only 27 percent of Puerto Rican, 23 percent of Mexican American, 19 percent of Dominicans, 18 percent 

of Central/South American, 17 percent of Mexican, and 14 percent of Cuban/Cuban American males had 

obtained a flu shot in the past 12 months.

1 8

1 4

1 9

1 7

2 3

2 7

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

Received flu shot in past 12 months Percent

Flu shot in past 12 months

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 14
What is the smoking status among adult Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18 to 64 

years) in the United States?

Figure 9. Smoking status among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. Due to 

rounding, sum of bars for each Hispanic/Latino group may not equal 100 percent.. All prevalence estimates were 

age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in smoking status among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, p<0.001

Never smoker:

A high proportion of non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males were never smokers. The highest proportion of 

never smokers was observed among non-elderly Dominican males (76 percent). A majority of nonelderly Central/South American (64 percent), Mexican (62 percent), Cuban/Cuban American (60 percent),

Mexican American (56 percent), and Puerto Rican (53 percent) males were never smokers.

Former smoker:

Less than one out of four non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males were former smokers. Among non-elderly 

Hispanic/Latino males, 23 percent of Puerto Ricans, 21 percent of Central/South Americans, 21 percent 

of Cuban/Cuban Americans, 21 percent of Mexican Americans, and 20 percent of Mexicans were former 

smokers. A lower proportion of non-elderly Dominican (12 percent) males were former smokers.

6 4

2 1

1 5

6 0

2 1

1 9

7 6

1 2 1 2

6 2

2 0

1 7

5 6

2 1 2 3

5 3

2 3 2 4

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

7 0

8 0

9 0

Never smoker Former smoker Current smoker Percent

Smoking status

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 15
Current smoker:

A low proportion of non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males were current smokers. Non-elderly Puerto Rican 

(24 percent) and Mexican American (23 percent) males represented the highest percentage of current 

smokers. A lower proportion of non-elderly Cuban/Cuban American (19 percent), Mexican (17 percent), 

Central/South American (15 percent), and Dominican (12 percent) males were current smokers.

Page 16
What is the weight status among adult Hispanic/Latino males (ages 18 to 64 

years) in the United States?

Figure 10. Weight status among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. Body 

mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was used as a health indicator of weight. Individuals classified as underweight, BMI less 

than 18.5 kg/m2, are not shown. Individuals with a BMI between 18.5 kg/m2to 24.9 kg/m2 were classified as healthy 

weight; 25.0 kg/m2to 29.9 kg/m2were classified as overweight; and those with a BMI of 30 kg/m2and above were 

classified as obese [4]. Due to rounding, sum of bars for each Hispanic/Latino group may not equal 100 percent. All 

prevalence estimates were age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in weight status among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, p<0.001

Healthy weight:

Non-elderly Central/South American (29 percent), Cuban/Cuban American (29 percent), and Dominican 

(29 percent) males exhibited the highest proportion of healthy weight. Whereas, a lower proportion of 

non-elderly Puerto Rican (26 percent), Mexican (25 percent), and Mexican American males (19 percent) 

were classified as healthy weight.

Overweight:

Non-elderly Dominican (50 percent), Central/South American (48 percent), Cuban/Cuban American (45 

percent), Mexican (45 percent), Mexican American (44 percent), and Puerto Rican (40 percent) males 

were classified as overweight.

2 9

4 8

2 4

2 9

4 5

2 7

2 9

5 0

2 2

2 5

4 5

3 0

1 9

4 4

3 7

2 6

4 0

3 5

0

1 0

2 0

3 0

4 0

5 0

6 0

Healthy weight Overweight Obese Percent

Weight status

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 17
Obese:

Non-elderly Mexican American (37 percent) and Puerto Rican (35 percent) males exhibited the highest 

proportion of obesity. Whereas, a lower proportion of non-elderly Mexican (30 percent), Cuban/Cuban 

American (27 percent), Central/South American (24 percent), and Dominican (22 percent) males were 

classified as obese. 

Page 18
What is the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension among adult Hispanic/Latino

males (ages 18 to 64 years) in the United States?

Figure 11. Diagnosed hypertension among a diverse group of adult Hispanic/Latino males (NHIS 2002-

2012)

NOTE: Data are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian non-institutionalized population. To be 

classified with diagnosed hypertension, non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males reported being told by a doctor or other 

health professional that they had hypertension on two or more different visits. All prevalence estimates were ageadjusted to the 2000 U.S. population standard.

Statistical significant difference in diagnosed hypertension among a diverse group of Hispanic/Latino males, p<0.001

Overall, a low proportion of non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males had been diagnosed with hypertension by 

a doctor or other health professional. Among non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males, only 31 percent of 

Dominicans, 26 percent of Puerto Ricans and Mexican Americans, 24 percent of Cuban/Cuban 

Americans, 20 percent of Mexicans, and 17 percent of Central/South Americans had been diagnosed with

hypertension by a doctor or other health professional.

1 7

2 4

3 1

2 0

2 6 2 6

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

Diagnosed with hypertension Percent

Diagnosed hypertension

Central/South American Cuban/Cuban American Dominican Mexican Mexican American Puerto Rican

Page 19
Summary

This data brief provides a profile of demographic, health, and well-being 

measures from a diverse sample of 21,483 non-elderly Hispanic/Latino 

males in the United States (NHIS 2002-2012). Non-elderly 

Cuban/Cuban American males (54 percent) represented the highest 

proportion of Hispanic/Latino males who completed some college or 

greater. Non-elderly Puerto Rican males represented the highest 

proportion of Hispanic/Latino males with health insurance coverage (78

percent). Two out of five non-elderly Dominican and Puerto Rican 

males had a usual place for preventive care. Non-elderly Dominican 

males (31 percent) represented the highest proportion of Hispanic/Latino 

males with a diagnosis of hypertension. These findings demonstrate the 

importance of examining health data by Hispanic/Latino group to 

illuminate ways to increase health awareness, bolster health care access, 

and further develop effective programs and policies to reduce health 

disparities among this diverse population in the United States.

Conclusion

This brief highlights the heterogeneity of demographic characteristics and health behaviors for nonelderly Hispanic/Latino males. Disaggregated data, such as those presented in this brief, can better 

illustrate the varying health status of the diverse U.S. Hispanic/Latino population and help to identify the 

nature and extent of potential intra- and inter-group disparities. New data collection standards 

implemented by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under Section 4302 of the 

Affordable Care Act include additional granularity for race and Hispanic/Latino ethnicity and support the

monitoring of racial and ethnic health disparities in population data [3]. Using national data to report on 

measures of health and health care for population groups is an important tool to support health disparities 

elimination efforts through public health, policy, research, and programming.

To better address the health disparities presented in this brief, the Affordable Care Act makes health 

insurance coverage more affordable and accessible for millions of uninsured Americans, including nonelderly uninsured Hispanic/Latino males. The health care law also provides greater consumer protections, 

invests in prevention and wellness, and improves the quality of care. Key provisions in the Affordable 

Care Act offer coverage for recommended preventive services that may greatly reduce health disparities 

among non-elderly uninsured Hispanic/Latino males [5]. Preventive services such as blood pressure and 

diabetes screenings, obesity screening and counseling, immunizations, including flu vaccinations, and 

tobacco use screening and cessation interventions are provided with no cost-sharing [5]. Individuals with 

pre-existing conditions, many of which Hispanics/Latinos experience at higher rates than non-Hispanic 

Whites, can no longer be denied coverage [6]. Furthermore, the $11 billion included in the Affordable 

Care Act to expand and establish new community health centers has increased access to culturally and 

linguistically appropriate care, as well as increased the number of patients served by nearly 5 million. 

The findings of this data brief will help inform targeted interventions, outreach, and enrollment efforts for 

non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males for enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace and access to high 

quality care.

The Office of Minority 

Health at the U.S. 

Department of Health 

and Human Services 

is dedicated to 

improving the health of 

racial and ethnic 

minority populations 

through the 

development of health 

policies and programs 

that help eliminate 

health disparities.

Page 20
Definitions [7]

Annual combined household income

Annual combined household income categorized as: $34,999 or less, $35,000 to $74,999, and $75,000 or 

greater. Observations missing on income were not shown.

Diagnosed hypertension

To be classified with diagnosed hypertension, non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males reported being told by a 

doctor or other health professional that they had hypertension on two or more different visits.

Educational attainment

Education was categorized as less than high school; high school graduate, including certificate of general 

education development (GED); or some college or greater.

Health insurance coverage

Non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males were considered insured if they had any private health insurance, 

government-, or state-sponsored health insurance plans.

Hispanic/Latino ethnicity [8]

Based on non-elderly males self-identifying as Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, South or 

Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race. The term, "Spanish origin," can 

be used in addition to "Hispanic/Latino or Latino." The NHIS includes two questions on Hispanic 

ethnicity:

1. “Do you consider yourself Hispanic/Latino?”, and

2. “Please give me the number of the group that represents your Hispanic origin or ancestry. You 

may choose up to five (5) if applicable.”

Marital Status

Non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males who were not married included those reported to be widowed, 

divorced, separated, or never married. 

Nativity and years in the United States

Nativity refers to place of birth and was based on a geographical place of birth recode provided by the 

NCHS/NHIS. For this study, two places of birth were analyzed: U.S.-born and foreign-born. The U.S.-

born population includes anyone born in one of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia or a U.S. 

territory. The foreign-born population includes anyone who was not born in the United States or a U.S. 

territory. Years in the United States refers to the respondent’s answer to “Years that {respondent} has 

been in the U.S.” This question was asked of all respondents that were not born in the United States.

Smoking status

Those who reported smoking fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime were classified as never smokers. 

Former smokers reported smoking 100 cigarettes or more in their lifetime and did not currently smoke 

every day or on occasion. Current smokers were classified as having smoked 100 cigarettes in their 

lifetime and currently smoking every day or on occasion.

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Weight status

Weight status was based on body mass index (BMI, kg/m2). BMI classifications were based on cut-points 

established by the World Health Organization, using self-reported height and weight [4]. Individuals 

classified as underweight, BMI less than 18.5 kg/m2, are not shown. Individuals with a BMI between 18.5 

kg/m2to 24.9 kg/m2 were classified as healthy weight; 25.0 kg/m2to 29.9 kg/m2 were considered 

overweight; and individuals with BMI of 30 kg/m2and above were classified as obese.

Usual place for preventive care

Non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males were classified as having a usual place for preventive care if they 

reported going to a: 1) clinic or health center; 2) doctor’s office or HMO; 3) hospital outpatient 

department; 4) some other place; or 5) doesn’t go to one place most often were. Non-elderly 

Hispanic/Latino males who reported not obtaining preventive care anywhere or going to the emergency 

room for preventive care were classified as not have a usual place for preventive care. 

Data Sources and Methods

Analyses in this data brief were based on National Health Interview Surveys collected from 2002-2012.

Sampling weights were used to produce national estimates that were representative of the civilian noninstitutionalized U.S. population. To identify a sample of non-elderly persons, our analysis was limited to 

adult Hispanic males (ages 18 to 64 years). In addition, women, males 65 and over, and persons who did 

not self-identify as being of Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin were also excluded. These exclusions yielded 

a final sample of 21,483 non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males. All references in this data brief to 

Hispanic/Latino males included non-elderly persons residing in the United States who self-identify as 

Hispanic/Latino/Spanish origin.

Chi-square tests were used to assess the proportional differences for demographic and health measures by 

Hispanic/Latino group. P-values <0.050 were considered statistically significant. Statistical analyses 

were conducted using STATA 13 [9] to account for the complex sample design of the NHIS. Data were 

analyzed using sample weights to account for differential probabilities of sample selection, non-response,

and sample non-coverage. All prevalence estimates were age-standardized to the 2000 U.S. population

[10]. All estimates in this data brief have a relative standard error (RSE) less than 3.5 percent.

The authors intentionally did not use the terms “ethnic subgroups” or “subgroups” in reference to the 

categories within Hispanic/Latino groups. The use of Hispanic/Latino groups (and not the term 

subgroup) is consistent with the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (National Heart, 

Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health) [1].

Limitations

Because we used a nationally representative sample of non-elderly Hispanic/Latino males from the 

CDC/NCHS/NHIS, all variables included in this analyses were self-reported and subject to recall bias. 

Also, the NHIS only collects data on non-institutionalized persons; thus, our findings are not 

generalizable to incarcerated populations, military personnel, or adults in nursing homes or other longterm care facilities.

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References

1. Daviglus, M.L., G.A. Talavera, M.L. Avilés-Santa, et al. Prevalence of major cardiovascular risk 

factors and cardiovascular diseases among Hispanic/Latino individuals of diverse backgrounds in 

the United States. JAMA, 2012. 308(17): p. 1775-1784.

2. Dominguez, K., A. Penman-Aguilar, M.-H. Chang, et al. Vital Signs: Leading Causes of Death, 

Prevalence of Diseases and Risk Factors, and Use of Health Services Among Hispanics in the United 

States—2009–2013. MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report, 2015. 64(17): p. 469-478.

3. Dorsey, R., G. Graham, S. Glied, et al. Implementing Health Reform: Improved Data Collection and 

the Monitoring of Health Disparities. Annual review of public health, 2014. 35: p. 123-138.

4. World Health Organization. BMI Classification. Global Database on Body Mass Index 2006; 

Available from: http://apps.who.int/bmi/index.jsp?introPage=intro_3.html.

5. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 

Healthcare.gov: Preventive health services for adults. [cited August 27, 2014; Available from: 

https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-preventive-care-benefits/.

6. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Affordable Care Act and Latinos. 2015; 

Available from: http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/factsheets/2012/04/aca-andlatinos04102012a.html.

7. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data 

File Documentation, National Health Interview Survey, 2012 (machine readable data file and 

documentation). National Center for Health Statistics-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 

Editor. 2013: Hyattsville, Maryland.

8. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NHIS -

Race and Hispanic Origin Information. 2010; Available from: 

http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhis/rhoi/rhoi_glossary.htm.

9. StataCorp. Stata statistical software: Release 13 [Computer software]. 2014: College Station, TX.

10. Klein, R. and C. Schoenborn. Age adjustment using the 2000 projected U.S. population., in Healthy 

People Statistical Notes. 2001, National Center for Health Statistics: Hyattsville, Maryland.

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About the Authors

Shondelle M. Wilson-Frederick, Gloria González, Chazeman S. Jackson, Lacreisha N. Ejike-King, and 

Rashida R. Dorsey are with the Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services.

Suggested citation

Wilson-Frederick SM, González G, Jackson CS, Ejike-King LN, and Dorsey RR. Demographic 

Characteristics and Health Behaviors among a Diverse Group of Adult Hispanic/Latino Males (Ages 18 

to 64 years) in the United States. OMH Data Brief No. 2. Rockville, MD: Office of Minority Health. 

2015.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge Anthony Welch, Press Secretary, Office of Minority Health at the 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for his contributions to this data brief. Also, we would 

like to acknowledge Roland J. Thorpe, Jr., PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Health, Behavior, and 

Society of the John Hopkins University and member of the U.S. Department of Health and Human 

Services Advisory Committee on Minority Health, for his thorough review of this data brief.

Copyright information

All material appearing in this report is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without 

permission; citation as to source, however, is appreciated.

Office of Minority Health 

J. Nadine Gracia, M.D., M.S.C.E., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and Director, Office of 

Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Rashida Dorsey, Ph.D., M.P.H., Director, Division of Data and Policy, Office of Minority Health, U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services

1101 Wootton Parkway, Suite 600

Rockville, MD 20852

Phone: 240-453-2882 | Fax: 240-453-2883 

Email: info@minorityhealth.hhs.gov | www.minorityhealth.hhs.gov

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