Although research has indicated that Latinx face disproportionately high risks of chronic physical ailments, self-care practices among this population remain understudied. Latent profile analysis explored combinations of health-promoting behaviors in a sample of young Latinx from NYC. Multinomial logistic regressions assessed the relation between health behaviors and health consciousness as well as self-reported health. The analyses identified three distinct groups with differing health practices. The largest group (63.8%) was characterized by individuals who successfully engaged in all health-promoting practices. The other two (11.4% and 24.8%) exhibited incongruent behaviors. Health consciousness and self-rated health were highest for the largest health behavior group. Among incongruent groups, the one who was most successful at eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly reported better health than the other group, irrespective of other behavioral differences. Self-care practices among Latinx youth can manifest as different combinations that will have varying health implications.
Keywords: Health consciousness; Health-promoting behaviors; Latinx; New York City; Self-rated health.