Improving substance abuse service delivery to Hispanic women through increased cultural competencies: a qualitative...

In 1985, one woman in seventeen in the US was Hispanic-an estimated 8.5 million-and it is predicted that by the end of this century, Hispanics will comprise the largest ethnic group in this country (Amaro & Russo, 1987). Although the term "Hispanic" suggests a homogeneous group, united by similarities, this is not the case. The term refers to an ethnic group, not a racial one, whose chief commonalities are the Spanish language and some broad cultural values. Making substance abuse treatment services accessible to Hispanic women and their families requires that agencies become culturally competent to deal with this population. The authors of this qualitative study interviewed female Hispanic substance-abuse treatment clients and therapists to find what agencies might do to create a receptive atmosphere for Hispanic women.