Prevalence and correlates of everyday discrimination among U.S. Latinos

Abstract

This study reports on the prevalence and correlates of perceived discrimination among a national sample of Latinos in the United States. Understanding the prevalence and correlates of discrimination can help us better address disparities in the health care system. The authors define perceived discrimination as self‐reported everyday experiences of unfair treatment. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess rates of perceived discrimination among Latinos and identify correlates of discrimination. Data came from the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS). The prevalence of perceived discrimination among Latinos was 30%. Cubans and Latinos with high ethnic identity were less likely to perceive discrimination compared to other Latino subgroups or Latinos with low ethnic identity. American‐born Latinos and Latinos arriving in the United States at younger ages were more likely to perceive discrimination compared to immigrants arriving at older ages. Perceived discrimination among Latinos is less prevalent than what has been reported for other minorities. Variations in perceived discrimination are related to sociodemographic and cultural differences across ethnic subgroups.