'Hispanic Paradox' Intrigues New Generation of Researchers
For 40 years, researchers have unsuccessfully tried to explain — or debunk — the “Hispanic Paradox,” the finding that Hispanic Americans live several years longer than white Americans on average, despite having far less income and health care and higher rates of diabetes and obesity. Now, armed with more comprehensive data, powerful genomic tools, and a rich cultural awareness of the communities they study, a new generation of scientists is finally making headway.
John Ruiz, a professor of clinical psychology at the University of Arizona in Tucson, directs a lab studying social and resilience factors that may play a role in the Hispanic Paradox. Dr. Ruiz is focusing on the tight-knit family and community networks that exist among many Hispanics and how they might improve health outcomes for a variety of diseases.
For more on the Hispanic Paradox itself, as well as Dr. Ruiz's background, research, and findings - read the full article on Stat News.
If you prefer audio formats, you can also listen to an interview with Dr. Ruiz on NPR via Arizona Public Media.
Updated: 09/14/23