Overcoming Barriers to Health Communication in Latino Communities

By Natali Mendez, Diversify Dietetics Intern

Effective health communication is key to improving health outcomes (Knight, A), yet many Latino communities face complex barriers in accessing and understanding medical information. While knowledge is important, it is not always enough to inspire behavior change. Cultural influences, health literacy levels, language barriers, and personal experiences all play a role in shaping how individuals act on health information and make decisions.

The Challenge of Health Literacy

“ Improving health literacy meant more than transmitting information, and developing skills to be able to read pamphlets and successfully make appointments. By improving people's access to health information and their capacity to use it effectively, it is argued that improved health literacy is critical to empowerment (Nutbeam D).”


Many healthcare providers assume that simply providing patients with facts about their condition is enough to encourage healthy behavior. However, as Ariadna Mendez- Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist shares, overcoming health communication barriers isn’t just about translation-  it’s about making information meaningful, relatable, and culturally relevant. 

"Rosa (name has been changed for anonymity) is a hardworking mother of three who struggled to manage her diabetes. At one of our sessions, I explained how certain foods affect blood sugar, but she looked at me and said, “No entiendo esas palabras, solo sé que tengo que dejar el azúcar” (I don’t understand those words, I just know I have to stop eating sugar). Like many of my Latino patients, Rosa faced barriers in health literacy—not because she lacked intelligence, but because nutrition concepts were often presented in ways that didn’t connect with her daily life. Rather than overwhelming her with complex terms, I shifted my approach, using visuals of traditional foods and phrases like “Comida balanceada” (balanced meals) instead of “macronutrients.” Over time, Rosa began making small changes, telling me, “Ahora sé cómo hacer mi plato sin miedo” (Now I know how to make my plate without fear). 

Without personalizing each consultation to meet the patient where they are and understanding their cultural beliefs and health literacy level, it can be challenging to deliver messages that lead to lasting behavior change. 

Cultural Beliefs and Alternative Methods

Cultural beliefs also influence how Latinos perceive health conditions. Marina Chaparro, RDN, shares in Lorena Drago’s Breaking the Cultural Code program that many Mexicans attribute diabetes to a lack of exercise, excessive sugar consumption, family genetics, or religious explanations like el susto (a “fright,” referring to an illness that is prompted by some kind of trauma). While these explanations may not fully align with medical science, they shape health behaviors and contribute to the widespread reliance on alternative medicine.

Read more about Latin American folk beliefs in these articles: Age-related differences in biomedical and folk beliefs as causes for diabetes and heart disease among Mexican origin adults; Susto and nervios: expressions for stress and depression; and Susto, Coraje, y Fatalismo: Cultural-Bound Beliefs and the Treatment of Diabetes Among Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Hispanics

A common belief in Latino communities is that traditional herbal remedies are sufficient for managing chronic diseases. Some individuals may prefer treatments like prickly pear cactus leaves (nopales), aloe vera (sábila), beets (betabel), chamomile tea (té de manzanilla), and other natural solutions over prescribed medications. While distrust in pharmaceuticals can lead to reluctance in taking necessary medications—especially if people fear that medications may do more harm than good—it’s important to recognize that some of these natural remedies do have health-promoting properties. For example, nopales have been shown to help regulate blood sugar, and chamomile tea may support digestive health and relaxation.

Rather than viewing traditional medicine and Western therapies as mutually exclusive, a culturally sensitive approach can integrate both. When appropriate, natural remedies can be safely incorporated alongside pharmacological treatments to support overall well-being—provided patients are guided by evidence-based recommendations and open communication with healthcare providers. In this way, honoring cultural practices while also promoting scientific guidance can help build trust and encourage holistic, sustainable health behaviors.

Language Barriers and Miscommunication

Beyond cultural beliefs, language barriers further complicate health communication. While some Latinos living in the U.S. for over a decade may speak English proficiently, medical jargon can still be difficult to understand, leading to misinterpretations. For example, in a clinical setting, a Spanish-speaking patient might misunderstand a doctor’s instructions due to a poorly translated message. Instead of clarifying, they may nod in agreement, leading to potential health risks.

This underscores the need for clear, simplified language and culturally competent healthcare providers.

The Impact of Low Health Literacy

In addition to language barriers, educational gaps and low health literacy significantly impact health outcomes. Many individuals lack knowledge on how to access healthcare services or recognize the importance of preventive care. Some common sentiments include:

  • “I don’t have a doctor, so I can’t do a follow-up.”

  • “I don’t go to the doctor because I’d rather not know.”

  • “If I go to the doctor, they will find something wrong.”

Such attitudes highlight the need for patient-centered education that emphasizes the importance of regular checkups, prevention, and early intervention. Furthermore, some patients may not know how to access nutrition counseling or educational resources, particularly if they lack a smartphone or internet access. 

Family Dynamics and Health Decisions

In many Latino households, food decisions are shaped not only by individual preferences but by deeply rooted family dynamics, cultural traditions, and a strong sense of collectivism. While women (often mothers or grandmothers) are typically the primary food preparers, decisions are influenced by what the family enjoys, what children will eat, and even what male heads of household expect or prefer at the table. Understanding who is responsible for grocery shopping and cooking is key, as these individuals play a major role in meal choices. 

With patient consent, involving family members in nutrition discussions can help create a supportive environment for behavior change. Encouraging shared responsibility can empower the whole household to embrace healthier habits without feeling like they’re abandoning their culture.

When working with culturally diverse communities, it’s important to ask about their food choices, including their traditions, religion, and background. This opens the door for more relevant and respectful nutrition counseling. As Elizabeth Osorno, MD, MS, RDN, emphasizes in her work as a PCOS dietitian, the goal is not to change someone’s culture, but to work within it, highlighting ways to preserve cherished cultural dishes while making adjustments that support long-term health.

Personal Experiences and Willingness to Change

Once the dietitian has understood the patient's cultural influences and health literacy level, the next step is determining what sustainable, healthful changes they are realistically willing to make. One effective approach is motivational interviewing—encouraging patients to identify small, achievable changes they feel comfortable implementing. As research shows, “Starting with one small change has the ability to create a trickle-down effect, leading to a larger transformation.” By allowing patients to take ownership of their health journey, healthcare providers can facilitate lasting improvements. (Shapiro)

Moving Toward Solutions

To improve health communication in Latino communities, dietitians must acknowledge the diversity within each person and go beyond simply delivering information. Strategies like using plain language, involving family members, and providing culturally relevant education can make a real impact. By understanding and addressing these barriers, we can empower Latino individuals and families to take control of their health and achieve better outcomes.

References:

Drago L. Breaking the Cultural Code: Mastering Nutrition Counseling for the Top 11 Hispanic Groups in the United States.

Nutbeam D. Health literacy as a public health goal: a challenge for contemporary health education and communication strategies into the 21st century. Health Promotion International, Volume 15, Issue 3, September 2000, Pages 259–267. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/15.3.259

Virtual Mentor. American Medical Association Journal of Ethics. August 2007, Volume 9, Number 8: 532-536.

Shapiro J, Grajower MM. The Influence of Diverse Cultures on Nutrition, Diabetes Management and Patient Education. Nutrients. 2024; 16(21):3771. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213771

Attridge M, Creamer J, Ramsden M, Cannings‐John R, Hawthorne K. Culturally appropriate health education for people in ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD006424. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006424.pub3. Accessed 08 March 2025.

Amirehsani KA, Wallace DC. Tes, Licuados, and Capsulas: herbal self-care remedies of Latino/Hispanic immigrants for type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Educ. 2013;39(6):828-840. doi:10.1177/0145721713504004

Knight, A et al. Communication Skills: A Scoping Review of Experiences, Perceptions, and Use in Dietetics Practice. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 124, Issue 9, 1162 - 1180.e1

Lip GY, Luscombe C, McCarry M, Malik I, Beevers G. Ethnic differences in public health awareness, health perceptions and physical exercise: implications in heart disease prevention. Ethnicity and Health 1996;1(1):47‐53.

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