Integrating culture as a means of improving treatment adherence in the Latino population

Abstract

Treatment adherence is a significant challenge within the field of paediatrics. Culture is an important clinical variable to consider in treatment and adherence to medical regimens. Consideration of common elements of the Latino culture is a viable mechanism to improving treatment adherence. These shared elements include language, familismo, respeto, personalismo, espiritism, simpatia, fatalismo , and a crisis orientation. In addition, acculturation is presented as it pertains to treatment adherence. Each cultural variable is discussed as a means of improving treatment adherence and the importance of culturally competent care is forwarded. The importance of theory-driven research and future research directions are discussed.