Integration of sociocultural and behavioral factors into the clinical framework of cardiovascular studies in Hispanic/Latino populations: Relevance during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Shakira Suglia, Emory University; Ana F Abraido-Lanza, New York University; Rafael E Guerrero-Preston, LifeGene Biomarks; Kenneth S Ramos, Texas A&M Institute of Biosciences and Technology
• Language: English
• Date: 2021-03-08
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Association for Clinical and Translational Science 2021
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/cts.2021.20
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
• Volume: 5
• Issue: 1
• Keywords: SARS-COV-1; Socio-cultural; behavioral; Hispanic/Latino; clinical studies
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Epidemiology

Abstract

Recent reports on the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the USA indicate that despite significant declines in CVD mortality in the late 20th century, this decline is now decelerating and may be worsened by inequalities in health care. Social factors contribute to most of the cardiovascular health disparities documented to date. Hispanics/Latinos and African-Americans share a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and experience higher rates of poverty and social stressors than non-Hispanic Whites. We propose that the use of social and behavioral data beyond basic and sometimes loose identifiers of race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and occupation would inform clinical practice and greatly facilitate the provision of adequate guidance and support to patients regarding continuity of care, adherence to medications and treatment plans, and engagement of participants in future research. This perspective briefly highlights factors deemed to be critical for the advancement of Hispanic/Latino health and delineates pathways toward future applications.