Using minority group that is represented in the United States (Black/African American), . Using health information available from Healthy People, the CDC, and other relevant government websites, analyze the health status for this group. In a 1,000-1,250 words, compare and contrast the health status of your selected minority group to the national average. Include the following: Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources . Sources should be published within the last 5 years.

Introduction

The health status of minority groups in the United States is a topic of great concern due to significant disparities in health outcomes. This paper aims to analyze the health status of the Black/African American population in comparison to the national average. By examining data from reputable sources such as Healthy People, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other relevant government websites, this analysis will provide insights into the health disparities faced by this minority group. Additionally, three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources, published within the last five years, will be utilized to support the analysis.

Demographic Overview

The Black/African American population represents a minority group in the United States, making up approximately 13.4% of the total population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). It is essential to understand the demographic characteristics of this group to gain insights into the health status of Black/African Americans. The demographic profile includes factors such as age distribution, gender, socioeconomic status, and education levels, which can influence health outcomes.

Health Status Analysis

To assess the health status of Black/African Americans, we will compare key health indicators to the national average. These indicators include overall mortality rates, infant mortality rates, prevalence of chronic diseases, access to healthcare, and preventative measures.

Mortality Rates

Black/African Americans have higher mortality rates compared to the national average. According to the CDC (2019), the age-adjusted death rate for this population is 876.8 per 100,000 population, whereas the national average stands at 731.9 per 100,000 population. This indicates that Black/African Americans experience a higher burden of mortality, potentially due to various factors such as socioeconomic disparities, limited access to healthcare, and systemic racism.

Infant Mortality Rates

Infant mortality rates also reflect disparities in health outcomes. Sadly, Black/African American infants face higher mortality rates compared to the national average. The infant mortality rate for Black/African Americans is 10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the national average is 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births (CDC, 2021). This alarming disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions and improved access to prenatal and postnatal care.

Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

Black/African Americans experience a higher burden of chronic diseases compared to the national average. For instance, the CDC (2021) reports that the prevalence of hypertension among Black/African Americans is 48.1%, exceeding the national average of 28.8%. Similarly, the prevalence of diabetes among Black/African Americans is 12.5%, compared to the national average of 9.6%. These disparities can be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and socio-economic factors.

Access to Healthcare

Access to healthcare is a crucial determinant of health status. Unfortunately, Black/African Americans face disparities in access to quality healthcare services, leading to poorer health outcomes. According to Healthy People (2020), 10.6% of Black/African Americans are uninsured, compared to the national average of 6.8%. Additionally, higher proportions of Black/African Americans are dependent on public health insurance programs like Medicaid. Limited access to affordable healthcare, along with systemic barriers such as discrimination and bias, contribute to the disparities faced by this population.

Preventative Measures

Preventative measures, such as vaccinations and cancer screenings, are essential for maintaining good health. However, Black/African Americans face disparities in accessing these preventative measures. For example, Healthy People (2020) reports that only 60.8% of Black/African American adults have received the influenza vaccine, compared to the national average of 66.7%. Similarly, the rate of colorectal cancer screening among Black/African Americans is 60.5%, lower than the national average of 67.3%. These disparities signify the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to preventative care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the health status of the Black/African American population in the United States is characterized by significant disparities compared to the national average. Higher mortality rates, infant mortality rates, prevalence of chronic diseases, limited access to healthcare, and disparities in preventative measures contribute to these health disparities. It is imperative to address the underlying social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic disparities and systemic racism, to achieve equitable health outcomes for Black/African Americans. By identifying these disparities and implementing targeted interventions, healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities can work towards reducing health inequalities and promoting health equity for this minority group.