Health surveillance and research regarding the growing Central American immigrant groups should be expanded in order to properly address the health needs of these people. As in all countries, Guatemala's historical, political, and economic experiences continue to shape the nation's health needs. Guatemala's large indigenous population, with its numerous dialects and subcultures, also adds further diversity to the country.
Poverty can be an important predictor of health status within a population.
Most receive care in community health centers, hospital outpatient clinics, or other facilities that have high-volume practices. Consequently, physicians in these settings spend less time with patients and provide less preventive care counseling than is common in other medical practices.