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 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? Response must be minimum of 2 paragraphs consisting of at least 3-5 sentences.
The article, “Health Disparity and Structural Violence: How Fear Undermines Health Among Immigrants at Risk for Diabetes,” explores the relationship between fear and health among immigrants at risk for diabetes and argues that structural violence perpetuates health disparities. The researchers in the article point out that fear is a key factor that influences an individual’s approach to day-to-day living and their health outcomes. They argue that fear is conceptualized as a mechanism through which structural violence operates, leading to negative health outcomes.
The researchers highlight that fear among immigrants is shaped by various factors, including experiences of discrimination, social exclusion, and the fear of deportation. These fears can lead to high levels of stress, which in turn impacts health outcomes such as increased risk for diabetes. The article presents narratives from individuals who described the impact of fear on their health, with participants reporting feelings of anxiety, depression, and a negative impact on their ability to engage in self-care behaviors.
Furthermore, the article discusses how fear can lead to the avoidance of seeking healthcare services. Immigrants may fear encountering discrimination or being reported to immigration authorities if they seek care, leading to delayed or inadequate treatment. This avoidance of healthcare can exacerbate health problems and contribute to health disparities among immigrant populations.
In terms of the relationship between fear and health, the researchers argue that fear contributes to the perpetuation of health disparities. They argue that structural violence, including systems and policies that marginalize immigrant communities, creates an environment of fear that undermines health outcomes. This structural violence encompasses factors such as discrimination, limited access to resources, and social and economic inequality.
The researchers assert that structural violence not only affects the health of individuals but also influences the healthcare system as a whole. For instance, healthcare providers may unconsciously perpetuate discrimination or inadequately address the unique needs of immigrant populations due to the fear of legal consequences or lack of cultural competence. This perpetuation of structural violence, in turn, further exacerbates health disparities among immigrant populations.
In conclusion, the relationship between fear and health identified by the researchers in the article emphasizes the impact of fear on an individual’s daily life and health outcomes. Fear, stemming from experiences of discrimination and social exclusion, can contribute to increased stress levels, avoidance of healthcare, and poor self-care behaviors among immigrants at risk for diabetes. This fear is argued to be a mechanism through which structural violence operates, perpetuating health disparities. The article highlights the need for addressing both the individual and structural factors that contribute to fear and its negative impact on health. By addressing fear and the underlying structural violence, efforts can be made to improve the health of immigrant populations and reduce health disparities.