Hispanic

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Hispanic refers to people, cultures, or countries related to Spain, Spanish language, culture, or people. It commonly applies to countries once under colonial possession by the Spanish Empire following Spanish colonization of the Americas, parts of the Asia-Pacific region and Africa.

Definition[edit | edit source]

The term "Hispanic" broadly refers to the people, nations, and cultures that have a historical link to Spain. It commonly applies to countries once colonized by the Spanish Empire in the Americas and Asia, particularly the countries of Latin America and the Philippines. It could be argued that the term should apply to all Spanish-speaking cultures or countries, as the term is often used in the United States.

Hispanic vs Latino[edit | edit source]

The terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" are often used interchangeably in the United States for people with origins in Spanish-speaking or Latin American countries. While often confused, the two terms are not synonymous. "Hispanic" refers to people of Spanish-speaking origin or ancestry, while "Latino" refers to people of Latin American origin or ancestry.

Hispanic Culture[edit | edit source]

Hispanic culture is about a heck of a lot more than tacos. Check out the 411 on this vibrant community! The term Hispanic is used in the United States to describe all people of Latino and Spanish descent. It's a broad term to define the Hispanophone sphere.

Hispanic Health[edit | edit source]

Hispanic health is often shaped by factors such as language/cultural barriers, lack of access to preventive care, and the lack of health insurance. Hispanics are at a higher risk for certain conditions compared to non-Hispanic whites. These conditions include asthma, HIV/AIDS, obesity, suicide, and liver disease.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Hispanic Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD