- Define health disparity.
- Identify a specific health disparity using scholarly evidence.
- Discuss the social determinants of health that influence this disparity.
Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with citations and references in APA format.
250 WORDS NOT INCLUDING 1 REFERENCE . All posts should be supported by a minimum of one scholarly resource, ideally within the last 5 years. Journals and websites must be cited appropriately.
Health disparity refers to differences in health outcomes or access to healthcare between different populations or groups. These disparities are often influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors, leading to unequal distribution of health resources and outcomes among individuals or communities.
One specific health disparity that has been extensively studied is the disparity in maternal mortality rates between racial and ethnic groups in the United States. According to Creanga et al. (2017), African American women have significantly higher maternal mortality rates compared to white women. This disparity is evident even after controlling for factors such as age, education, and income.
The social determinants of health play a crucial role in influencing this disparity. One important determinant is socioeconomic status (SES). African American women are more likely to experience lower SES, which can result in limited access to quality healthcare services, including prenatal care. Inadequate access to prenatal care can lead to undetected or poorly managed health conditions during pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications and mortality.
Another influential determinant is racial discrimination and bias within the healthcare system. Research by Howell et al. (2020) found that African American women are more likely to experience mistreatment, neglect, and dismissal from healthcare providers. These negative experiences can discourage women from seeking appropriate care or lead to delayed diagnoses and interventions, further exacerbating the health disparity.
Furthermore, the social determinants of health extend beyond the healthcare system. Factors such as neighborhood characteristics, environmental exposures, and access to healthy food and safe housing can also contribute to disparities in maternal health outcomes. African American women are more likely to reside in neighborhoods with limited resources, higher levels of pollution, and increased exposure to stressors, which can negatively impact their health and pregnancy outcomes.
In conclusion, the health disparity in maternal mortality rates between African American and white women in the United States is influenced by various social determinants of health. Addressing this disparity requires a comprehensive approach that tackles systemic racism, improves access to quality healthcare services, and addresses the broader social and environmental factors that contribute to the disparity.
References:
Creanga, A. A., Syverson, C., Seed, K., & Callaghan, W. M. (2017). Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011-2013. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 130(2), 366-373.
Howell, E. A., Egorova, N. N., Balbierz, A., Zeitlin, J., Hebert, P. L., & Site, M. (2020). Site of delivery contribution to black-white severe maternal morbidity disparity. American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 222(3), 238-243.