Health has multiple influences. In this week’s unit you have been introduced to health disparities and the social determinants of health. In this week’s discussion:
- Define health disparity in your own words.
- Identify a specific health disparity using scholarly evidence.
- Discuss the social determinants of health that influence this disparity.
Definition of Health Disparity:
In my own words, a health disparity refers to a preventable difference in the burden of disease, injury, or access to healthcare that disproportionately affects certain groups of people. These differences are rooted in social, economic, and environmental disadvantages, and often affect populations that have historically experienced discrimination or marginalization.
Specific Health Disparity:
One well-documented health disparity is the higher prevalence of diabetes among Hispanic and Latinx populations in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Hispanic adults are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than non-Hispanic white adults. Furthermore, complications related to diabetes, such as kidney disease and lower-limb amputations, are also more common among this populational Determinants of Health Influencing this Disparity:**
- Economic Stability: Many Hispanic and Latinx individuals face economic challenges such as low-income jobs, lack of job stability, and limited access to health insurance. Economic insecurity often results in reduced access to healthy food options, making it difficult to follow a nutritious diet essential for diabetes management and prevention.
- Neighborhood and Physical Environment: Living conditions play a significant role. Low-income neighborhoods may lack safe spaces for physical activity or have limited access to fresh food stores, contributing to obesity and higher rates of diabetes.
- Access to Healthcare: Language barriers, cultural stigma, and limited health literacy can prevent individuals from seeking preventive care, understanding medical advice, or managing chronic conditions effectively. In addition, the lack of culturally competent care from healthcare providers can negatively impact patient outcomes.
- Education: Lower educational attainment among some individuals in the Hispanic and Latinx community can hinder access to health-related information, limiting knowledge about lifestyle changes that prevent or manage diabetes effectively.
By addressing these social determinants through targeted interventions, such as community-based education programs and policies promoting health equity, there can be a reduction in the prevalence and impact of diabetes among Hispanic and Latinx populations.