Hispanic Parental Beliefs and Practices in the Management of Common Childhood Illnesses: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: Hispanic parents are more likely to perceive common childhood illnesses as serious and needing immediate attention compared with other groups. The purpose of this review is to describe the factors that influence Hispanic parental management of common childhood illnesses. Method: A systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature was conducted. Studies were screened and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria for synthesis. Key findings include the following: (a) parental fears around common illnesses, (b) belief in folk illnesses, (c) use of traditional healers and remedies, (d) family members as a source of health information, (e) medical pluralism, and (f) barriers to care. Conclusion: Hispanic parents simultaneously engage both biomedical and folk spheres of treatment. More current research is needed to understand Hispanic beliefs and practices and to formulate culturally sensitive interventions in this population.

Keywords: Hispanic parents; Latino; child illness; cultural belief; pediatrics; systematic reviews.