Cultural Responses to Health Among Mexican American Women and Their Families

Abstract

Based on an in-depth analysis of current empirical research, this article presents a framework for understanding the cultural experience of the Mexican American population and presents implications for innovative health promotion practices with women and their families. The framework sheds light on the complex ways in which individuals from this population integrate their cultural values in their everyday responses to health. Three patterns emerge: (a) cultural expectations and beliefs can be shared by and work complementarily in the family and the larger social context; (b) cultural beliefs can be a source of tension and stress as a result of pressures in the environment; and (c) cultural values can become less important than other concerns, such as problems related to access when dealing with the healthcare system.