Ep. 86: Food Allergy and its Impact on the Hispanic Community
Part of the series: Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast
This podcast was made in partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network.
LISTEN TO EPISODE 86:
Do food allergies impact all communities in the same way?
Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo joins Dr. G and Kortney to discuss the impact of health disparities on allergy outcomes within the Hispanic and Latino communities. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo highlights the challenges posed by immigration status, language barriers, and cultural factors that contribute to unequal access to healthcare. These disparities often lead to difficulties in managing conditions like food allergies and asthma.
Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo emphasizes the importance of having an advocate in the healthcare system. Dr. G and Dr. Henandez-Trujillo discuss how building a strong relationship with your doctor is key to better outcomes.
Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo also addresses how cultural beliefs and practices within the Hispanic community influence the understanding and management of food allergies and the need for healthcare providers to enhance their cultural competency.
What we cover in our episode about food allergies in the Hispanic and Latino communities:
Health Disparities: Immigration status and language barriers significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes in the Hispanic community.
Role of an Advocate: Why it is important to have an advocate and maintain a strong relationship with your healthcare provider to navigate the healthcare system.
Challenges with Allergy Testing: What are the difficulties the Hispanic population faces with allergy testing, including issues related to insurance coverage?
Cultural Beliefs and Practices: How cultural beliefs and practices within the Hispanic community influence the understanding and management of food allergies.
Cultural Competency: How healthcare providers can enhance their cultural competency to better serve Hispanic patients.
About our expert on health disparities in the Hispanic community
Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo is a board-certified allergist and immunologist at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, where she specializes in treating allergies and immune conditions in children. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo is deeply committed to addressing health disparities and improving healthcare access for underserved communities. She is actively involved in research and education, focusing on culturally competent care and advocating for patients within the Hispanic community. Her clinical interests include food allergies, asthma, and other allergic conditions.
More resources about for Hispanic and Latino patients with food allergies::
Quick overview of hospital rights:
Your Rights at the Hospital
Emergency Care: Hospitals must treat you in an emergency, no matter your immigration status. This is required by U.S. law (EMTALA).
Privacy Protection: Your personal health information is protected by HIPAA. Hospitals and doctors cannot share your information without your permission, even with immigration authorities.
Ask About Your Rights: If you’re unsure, you can ask hospital staff or your doctor about how your privacy is protected.
Your Health Matters: Don’t avoid medical care because of your immigration status. You have the right to receive care when you need it.
Translation Services at Hospitals
Free Translation Services: Most hospitals offer free translation services to help you communicate with doctors and nurses in your preferred language. This includes both in-person interpreters and phone translation services.
Request an Interpreter: If you need help understanding or communicating, ask for an interpreter as soon as you arrive. Hospitals are required to provide this service to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Family Members as Translators: While some people bring a family member to translate, it’s often better to use a professional interpreter. They are trained to accurately communicate medical information and keep your conversations private.
Your Rights: You have the right to understand your medical care. Don’t hesitate to ask for a translator if you need one.
Timestamps
Food Allergy and its Impact on the Hispanic Community Episode
03:03 Impact of immigration status on healthcare access
04:00 Health disparities in Hispanic populations
05:24 Language barrier’s role in healthcare outcomes
06:05 Addressing language barriers in hospitals
07:16 Advocate's role and strong patient-doctor relationships
09:32 Risks of using a child as a translator
11:06 Challenges in allergy testing for Hispanics
14:00 Navigating insurance coverage
15:31 Accessing free or community healthcare services
17:19 Overcoming barriers to medication access
19:02 Discussing medication costs with your doctor
20:20 Enhancing cultural competency in healthcare
23:05 Cultural beliefs and food allergies in Hispanic communities
25:53 Navigating cultural cuisine with food allergies
31:11 Building a support team for better health
