Choose a health disparity experienced by a population group in the United States. Use data to support this disparity. Conceptualize the health disparity by applying a social determinant of health framework described in Chapter 4. Figure 4.2. Explain the health disparity using data through the application of the framework chosen. Use the framework diagram to explain the health disparity.
Introduction
Health disparities, also referred to as health inequalities, are differences in health outcomes or access to healthcare between different population groups. These disparities are often influenced by various social determinants of health, which are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. To illustrate the concept of health disparities and the influence of social determinants of health, this paper will focus on the health disparity experienced by African Americans in the United States, using data to support this disparity.
Health Disparity: African Americans and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a prime example of a health disparity experienced by African Americans in the United States. CVD refers to a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. It encompasses conditions such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke, which are among the leading causes of death in the country (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).
Data Supporting the Health Disparity
According to statistics from the American Heart Association (2021), African Americans are disproportionately affected by CVD compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Consider the following data:
1. Prevalence: African Americans have a higher prevalence of CVD compared to White Americans. For instance, the age-adjusted prevalence rate of coronary heart disease is 6.5% for African Americans, compared to 4.8% for White Americans (American Heart Association, 2021). This indicates that African Americans are more likely to develop this condition.
2. Mortality: African Americans have higher mortality rates from CVD compared to White Americans. Death rates from heart disease and stroke are significantly higher for African Americans, with an age-adjusted death rate of 229.5 per 100,000 population for heart disease, compared to 192.5 per 100,000 population for White Americans (American Heart Association, 2021). This suggests that African Americans are more likely to die from CVD.
Social Determinants of Health Framework: Application to African Americans and CVD
To explain the health disparity experienced by African Americans in relation to CVD, we will apply the social determinants of health framework depicted in Figure 4.2. This framework identifies various social factors that contribute to health disparities and can be used to analyze the underlying mechanisms at play.
Figure 4.2 illustrates five key categories of social determinants of health: economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, education, food, and community context. We will explore the relevance of each category in the context of African Americans and CVD.
1. Economic Stability: Economic stability encompasses factors such as employment, income, and social support. African Americans, on average, face higher levels of poverty and unemployment compared to White Americans (Martin et al., 2020). These economic disparities can limit access to quality healthcare, including regular cardiovascular screenings and preventive care. Additionally, financial constraints may restrict African Americans’ ability to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as engaging in regular physical activity and purchasing nutritious foods, which can contribute to increased risk of CVD.
2. Neighborhood and Physical Environment: The quality of the neighborhood and physical environment can significantly influence health outcomes. African Americans are more likely to live in segregated neighborhoods with limited access to healthy food options, recreational facilities, and healthcare services (Williams & Collins, 2001). These “food deserts” and lack of community resources can contribute to higher rates of obesity and other CVD risk factors within the African American population.
3. Education: Educational attainment is another important determinant of health. African Americans, on average, have lower levels of educational attainment compared to White Americans (Martin et al., 2020). Limited educational opportunities can restrict individuals’ access to higher-paying jobs with health insurance benefits and also reduce health literacy, which can impact individuals’ understanding of CVD prevention and management strategies.
4. Food: Food insecurity and inadequate access to nutritious foods are prevalent issues, particularly among African American communities. Studies have shown that African American households face higher rates of food insecurity compared to White households (Loopstra et al., 2020). Poor diet quality and limited access to healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can contribute to increased risk of CVD among African Americans.
5. Community Context: Community context refers to factors such as social norms, social cohesion, and crime rates. African American communities often face elevated levels of stress due to systemic racism, discrimination, and violence (Krieger et al., 2012). Chronic exposure to stressors can increase the risk of developing CVD and exacerbate existing conditions.
By examining these five categories of social determinants of health, we can see how each factor contributes to the health disparity experienced by African Americans in relation to CVD. Economic instability, limited access to healthcare and nutritious foods, educational disparities, and community-level stressors all play a role in shaping the elevated prevalence and mortality rates of CVD among African Americans.
In conclusion, the health disparity experienced by African Americans in relation to cardiovascular disease is a significant issue in the United States. Application of the social determinants of health framework highlights the influence of economic stability, neighborhood and physical environment, education, food, and community context in perpetuating this disparity. By understanding these factors, policymakers and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions and strategies to address the underlying causes of the health disparity and improve cardiovascular health outcomes for African Americans.