Identity Shaping Definitions of Health and Illness: Using Autonomy as a Health Compass

• In Event: 427 - Section on Medical Sociology Paper Session. Rating Health

Abstract

This paper expands the understanding of how gender, immigration, and aging impact health ratings in older Mexican immigrant men. Along with other Latino elders, these men are poor and plagued with chronic or disabling conditions, however, they live longer and have higher self-reported health than their white male counterparts. This research aims to 1) explain their conceptualization of health, illness, risk and prevention and 2) identify the implications for such conceptualizations. Data gathered includes 20 in-person interviews of older Mexican immigrant men in four Central Valley counties using a semi-structured interview guide and ethnographic data. Analysis of written, audio, and visual data was coded using grounded theory methods. Participants had clear conceptualizations of health, illness, and risk. While active in their own self-defined health regimens. Participants saw themselves as adhering patients, did not have overarching negative sentiment about the healthcare system, and yet did not adhere to screenings, lab work, and avoided seeking healthcare. Abstaining from health care or modifying prescribed health regimes was due to distrust of biomedical risk, and the labeling of sick as being an overall impediment to their autonomy. Their desire for autonomy plays out within the constraints of health care and as a consequence of systemic barriers. A discussion is needed on other marginalized groups and their movements in and out of the US healthcare system, its belief system, and technologies.

Author

• Tania L. Pacheco Werner, California State University-Fresno