'Medical Machismo' Research Shows Hispanic Men Are Less Likely to Visit a Doctor's Office

Culture, reputation, and language barriers are among the reasons why many Latino people, especially men, avoid doctor visits.

Studies show that of all racial and ethnic groups in the United States, Hispanic people are least likely to seek medical care.

In a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, Hispanic adults were less likely than all U.S. adults to say they had seen a health care professional within the previous year.

High blood pressure and diabetes run tremendously in the Latino culture; this is due to the type of food the culture has.

Without treating these conditions, there is a risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are many reasons why Hispanics choose to not visit the doctor.

No insurance, lack of money, immigration status, language barriers and reputation are all reasons why people do not seek medical attention when needed.

Reputation being the top.

In some Latino communities, being a man and going to the doctor is considered "weak" and "vulnerable."

Hispanic men tend to have a masculine image, and showing up to the doctor's office with a flu would make you look "less of a man."

This is called machismo in the Hispanic community.

Language also plays a huge factor.

Latinos feel more comfortable talking to physicians that speak Spanish and can "relate" to them.

Research from the Association of American Medical College shows that Hispanic physicians have not kept pace with the increased growth of the Latino population in the United States.

Hispanic people make up nearly 19% of the U.S. population, and the AAMC data shows that only 7% of physicians are Hispanics.

This can be discouraging in doctors' visits.

Being a man is hard enough, but being a Hispanic man puts the pressure.

In this new generation, it is important to show that being machismo isn't really machismo.

Wouldn't Hispanic men show their masculinity by going to the doctor and getting the proper treatment to live a fulfilled life to provide for themselves and their families?

Let's change that stigma.