Health Impact of Racism-Based Experiences Among Latinx Adults in the United States: An Integrative Review

Background: Racism-based experiences has been identified as a public health crisis among ethnic minority groups given its prevalence and associating with adverse health outcomes. Although the Latinx population in the United States is growing, comprehensive review of the prevalence and impact of racism-based experiences on the health of this population is scant. This integrative review aims to evaluate available evidence on health outcomes among Latinx adults with racism-based experiences. Method: We conducted a thorough quality assessment of literature published from 2013 through 2023 that assessed racism-based experiences and associated mental, behavioral, and physical health outcomes among Latinx. Relevant studies were identified using specific search terms across multiple databases including CINAHL, PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science. Results: A total of 50 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Studies found a significant positive association between racism-based experiences and negative mental (n= 37), behavioral (n= 12), and physical (n= 7) health outcomes. Conclusion & Implications: Our findings confirm that racism-based experiences have severe detrimental effects on mental, behavioral, and physical health among Latinx adults. It is crucial for clinicians to recognize these impacts and incorporate strategies for addressing racism in their practices. Given the significant and diverse effects observed, further research is imperative to develop targeted interventions and inform public health policies tailored to the needs of the Latinx community.