Biological differences in selected groups and populations can have a strong impact on the kind of care a nurse delivers. Select a race or ethnicity for this assignment and conduct independent online research on this group or population. Identify two medical conditions that impact the selected group or population. In a 1-2 page Word document: APA Format
Introduction
In the field of healthcare, it is crucial to recognize and understand the impact of biological differences in selected groups and populations. Nurses, as frontline providers of care, have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by different races or ethnicities. This assignment focuses on exploring the impact of biological differences on the care delivered to a specific race or ethnicity. For this assignment, the African American population will be examined, and two medical conditions impacting this group will be discussed.
Impact of Biological Differences on African Americans
The African American population in the United States has been found to have a higher susceptibility to certain medical conditions compared to other racial and ethnic groups. These disparities result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors, which can ultimately influence the kind of care that a nurse delivers to this population.
Medical Conditions Impacting African Americans
1. Hypertension
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a prevalent medical condition affecting African Americans. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), African Americans have the highest prevalence rate of hypertension in the world, with 48.9% of African American adults being hypertensive (Benjamin et al., 2018). This disparity in hypertension rates can be attributed to genetic factors, such as the presence of the APOL1 gene variant in African Americans (Doumatey et al., 2019). However, it is important to note that genetic predisposition alone does not fully explain the racial disparities observed. Socio-economic and environmental factors, such as limited access to healthcare, unhealthy diets, and chronic stress, also play a significant role (Benjamin et al., 2018).
The impact of hypertension on the care delivered to African Americans is significant. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the elevated risk of hypertension in this population to effectively assess, manage, and educate patients about this chronic condition. They should be skilled in taking accurate blood pressure readings, interpreting the results, and implementing appropriate interventions (Saha et al., 2020). Additionally, cultural competence is essential in providing patient-centered care to African American patients. Understanding the cultural beliefs, behaviors, and healthcare practices of this population can help nurses tailor their approach to achieve better health outcomes (Saha et al., 2020).
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is another medical condition that disproportionately affects African Americans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to non-Hispanic Whites (CDC, 2021). Genetic factors, such as insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction, contribute to the higher prevalence of diabetes in this population (Saleh et al., 2020). However, similar to hypertension, socio-economic and environmental factors also contribute to the disparities observed. Limited access to healthcare, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and higher rates of obesity are some of the factors influencing the development and management of type 2 diabetes in African Americans (CDC, 2021).
The impact of type 2 diabetes on the care delivered to African Americans is multifaceted. Nurses play a crucial role in supporting patients with diabetes through education, lifestyle modifications, and medication management. However, cultural factors can influence the management of diabetes in this population. For instance, dietary preferences and traditional foods may need to be taken into consideration when designing meal plans for African American patients (Saleh et al., 2020). Furthermore, understanding the cultural beliefs and attitudes surrounding diabetes can help nurses address potential barriers to proper self-care and treatment adherence (Purnell et al., 2020).
Conclusion
Biological differences in selected groups and populations, such as the African American population, have a profound impact on the kind of care that nurses deliver. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes are two medical conditions that disproportionately affect African Americans. Nurses must be knowledgeable about the increased risk and unique challenges faced by this population when providing care. Cultural competence and a comprehensive understanding of the genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors are essential in delivering patient-centered care to African American patients. By recognizing and addressing the biological differences that impact this population, nurses can contribute to reducing health disparities and improving health outcomes among African Americans.