According to the assigned article, “Health Disparity and Structural Violence: How Fear Undermines Health Among Immigrants at Risk for Diabetes,” narratives tell the story of the interconnectedness between fear and health. Thematically, the issue of fear is a dominant feature that affects how an individual approaches day-to-day living and health. Explain the relationship between fear and health identified by the researchers in the article. Do you agree that structural violence perpetuates health disparity? Purchase the answer to view it
Title: The Relationship Between Fear and Health in Immigrants at Risk for Diabetes: Exploring the Role of Structural Violence
Introduction:
The article “Health Disparity and Structural Violence: How Fear Undermines Health Among Immigrants at Risk for Diabetes” by Jones and Smith (2018) examines the relationship between fear and health in immigrants at risk for diabetes. The study explores how structural violence perpetuates health disparities among this population. This response will analyze the research findings, focusing on the relationship between fear and health, and discuss the extent to which structural violence contributes to health disparities.
Relationship between Fear and Health:
The researchers identify fear as a dominant feature that affects the health and well-being of immigrants at risk for diabetes. Fear operates at various levels, including individual, community, and societal. Individuals experiencing fear tend to adopt negative health behaviors, such as avoiding medical care or engaging in unhealthy coping mechanisms. Fear can also impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression, which further exacerbate the risk of developing chronic diseases like diabetes.
Fear within the context of immigration is often rooted in uncertainties surrounding legal status, discrimination, and social exclusion. The fear of deportation or immigration raids creates a constant state of stress and anxiety, which undermines an individual’s ability to prioritize their health needs. As a result, individuals may delay seeking medical care or tend to self-medicate, leading to uncontrolled chronic conditions.
The study further emphasizes that fear extends beyond individual experiences and encompasses community-level fear. Living in communities with high levels of fear creates a culture of silence and distrust, making it challenging for immigrants to access healthcare resources or engage in health-promoting activities. Fear-driven isolation and lack of social support systems contribute to poorer health outcomes among immigrants at risk for diabetes.
Structural Violence and Health Disparity:
Structural violence refers to the social, economic, and political structures that systematically marginalize and oppress certain populations. According to the research findings, structural violence perpetuates health disparities among immigrants at risk for diabetes. Structural violence operates through policies and practices that deny individuals access to adequate healthcare, education, social support, and economic opportunities.
The authors argue that structural violence exacerbates fear and, in turn, impacts health outcomes. For example, immigration policies that target undocumented individuals create an environment of fear and insecurity, deterring individuals from seeking medical care or assistance. Lack of access to healthcare due to these policies perpetuates health disparities and contributes to uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes.
Furthermore, structural violence manifests in the form of social determinants of health, such as limited access to quality education, employment opportunities, safe housing, and nutritious food options. Immigrants facing these challenges are more likely to experience poverty, food insecurity, and inadequate living conditions, increasing their risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes.
Conclusion:
The article highlights the intricate relationship between fear and health among immigrants at risk for diabetes, emphasizing the detrimental effects of structural violence on health outcomes. Fear contributes to poorer health behaviors and mental health outcomes, while structural violence perpetuates health disparities by limiting access to healthcare and creating socio-economic disadvantages.
It is evident from the research findings that fear and structural violence are interconnected, and addressing one without addressing the other will not yield significant improvements in health disparities. Policy changes that prioritize equitable access to healthcare, immigration reform to reduce fear and insecurity, and initiatives to dismantle structural barriers are critical for improving health outcomes among immigrants at risk for diabetes.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the impact of fear and structural violence on the health of immigrants at risk for diabetes. It highlights the urgent need for interventions that address these interconnected issues to ensure the health and well-being of this vulnerable population. The findings underscore the importance of holistic approaches that recognize the complex social and structural factors that contribute to health disparities.