...Socioeconomic Status and Health Disparity in America Over the years, researchers have uncovered a strong link between socioeconomic status and one’s risk for being affected by healthy disparities (Ethnic, 2015).When examining the relationship between socioeconomic status and health, evidence shows those with the lowest income and education are the unhealthiest, while most advantaged individuals are the healthiest (Braveman, et al, 2009). It is possible through continued research and broadened knowledge surrounding different cultures and biological factors, we may be able to close certain gaps that exist today and reduce the risk for healthy disparity in America. There are many factors that are used today to measure diversity in socioeconomic status. For example, the relationships between demographics, income, and health help us understand what elevates risk for disparity. Some of the demographic factors include: race and ethnicity, gender, sexual identity, special health care needs, and geographic location (Disparities, 2015). While some groups are impacted greater than others, it is important to acknowledge that these inequities are affecting our society as a whole and should be a priority of concern for all (Ethnic, 2015). When considering how a higher income could produce a healthier future, we see that wealthier people have greater accessibility to key resources. Someone with a high income is more likely to have sufficient health coverage and live in a safe neighborhood...
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...Nursing in 3D: Diversity, Disparities, and Social Determinants The Social Determinants of Health: It’s Time to Consider the Causes of the Causes Paula Braveman, MD, MPHa Laura Gottlieb, MD, MPHb ABSTRACT During the past two decades, the public health community’s attention has been drawn increasingly to the social determinants of health (SDH)—the factors apart from medical care that can be influenced by social policies and shape health in powerful ways. We use “medical care” rather than “health care” to refer to clinical services, to avoid potential confusion between “health” and “health care.” The World Health Organization’s Commission on the Social Determinants of Health has defined SDH as “the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age” and “the fundamental drivers of these conditions.” The term “social determinants” often evokes factors such as health-related features of neighborhoods (e.g., walkability, recreational areas, and accessibility of healthful foods), which can influence health-related behaviors. Evidence has accumulated, however, pointing to socioeconomic factors such as income, wealth, and education as the fundamental causes of a wide range of health outcomes. This article broadly reviews some of the knowledge accumulated to date that highlights the importance of social—and particularly socioeconomic— factors in shaping health, and plausible pathways and biological mechanisms that may explain their effects. We also discuss...
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...moderate income news article fails to discuss the socioeconomic disadvantaged lower class populations face and focus on the politics” (Snell). The quote quantifies the people affected by Planned Parenthood cuts and acknowledges its significance in women’s lives. By incorporating the population affected, the article begins discussing the deeper problems beyond Planned Parenthood, such as the disadvantages faced by the lower socioeconomic status, which the politically-based articles never recognize....
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...Running head; HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES IN AFRICA 1 HEALTHCARE DISPARITIES IN AFRICA OKECHUKWU ONYEIZUGBE DHA8013 Action Research Health Administration 1 Capella University Abstract Objective: To summarize the current literature on racial and gender disparities in critical care and the mechanisms underlying these disparities in the course of acute critical illness. Data Sources: MEDLINE search on the published literature addressing racial, ethnic, or gender disparities in acute critical illness, such as sepsis, acute lung injury, pneumonia, venous thromboembolism, and cardiac arrest. Study Selection: Clinical studies that evaluated general critically ill patient populations in the United States as well as specific critical care conditions were reviewed with a focus on studies evaluating factors and contributors to health disparities. Data Extraction: Study findings are presented according to their association with the prevalence, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes in acute critical illness. Data Synthesis: This review presents potential contributors for racial and gender disparities related to genetic susceptibility, comorbidities, preventive health services, socioeconomic factors, cultural differences, and access to care. The data are organized along the course of acute critical illness. Conclusions: The literature to date shows that disparities in critical care are most likely multifactorial...
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...Trends Paper Demographic trends reveal developments and changes in human population. More specifically, demographic trends relate to changes in a population’s age, educational attainment, and health. Business leaders, marketers, and advertisers can glean valuable insight from demographic trends. For example, a geographical location might experience a shift in migration patterns. Without understanding demographic trends for the area, businesses could make decisions on a customer segment based on conjecture. Evaluating demographic trends for the area, however, might reveal that there’s a change in the population’s average age, employment status, income, or wealth all of which would help businesses better target its customers and prospects. This can yield additional insight such as trends in a population’s socioeconomic status, life stage, and lifestyle. Socioeconomic status is determined by measuring income, education, occupation, and wealth of an individual or a family. Life stage is based on an individual’s age, family status, and relationships. Lifestyle is determined by education, activities, interests, opinions, socioeconomic status, and life stage. All of these characteristics are helpful to businesses as they are valuable predictors of consumer spending trends. Evaluating customers’ and prospects’ demographic trends, business decision-makers can identify changing needs in the marketplace and adjust to them. Demographic trends can also help organizations spot future...
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...People HS 2711-01 Health Science 1 Discussion Forum Unit 5 - "Second Academic Year 2023-2024 Term: 3. Instructor: Dr. Tiffanie James Parker. March 04, 2024 Introduction In the discussion I had during week 3, I highlighted the importance of social determinants in shaping the health outcomes of our community. I emphasized how factors like access to quality healthcare, education, and socioeconomic status can significantly impact the overall well-being of individuals. Since then, I have read more about this topic and gained a deeper understanding of how social determinants affect health outcomes. I am happy to report that my initial arguments have been further reinforced and enriched with additional evidence, strengthening...
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...in investigations of health disparities in the United States. Research is a process of investigating concepts and theories that will contribute to a scientific body of knowledge. When presented with a problem, researchers or healthcare specialist can use a quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods approach to solutions or explore avenues that might improve health, health outcomes and health services (Bowling, 2002). As health disparities grow in the United States and research is ongoing, three abbreviated research plans are presented as probable solutions to this concern targeting communities and populations that are underserved. Comparison and Evaluation of Strengths and Limitations of Research Methods Used in These Abbreviated Plans Research is an organized investigation to explain, describe, and control an observed phenomenon that involves inductive and deductive methods. Researchers will use a quantitative research design to verify that the research method used is valid and will produce accurate scientific results (Vidgen, n.d.). The strengths involved in using the quantitative research method can test and validate theories that have been already formed about why and how phenomena occur. Quantitative research allows the researcher to measure and analyze data that is précis which may help eliminate the influence of many variables and allow more reliable cause-and-effect relationships (Jones, n.d.). A disadvantage in quantitative research is based on figures and not always...
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...Gap in Health Disparities of African Americans Rosie Vasser Grand Canyon University Closing the Gap in Health Disparities of African Americans Historically speaking African Americans have had harder access to healthcare due to a number of socioeconomic reasons. Many are unable to even get to a facility. When thinking about poverty in America one must associate African Americans with poorer health, less access to medical care and higher risk factors than others. Stressors alone within this group places them at higher risk for hypertension, smoking, diabetes, etc. Lower income limits the availability to healthier food and quality healthcare. AA persistent struggle to achieve the American dreams translates to their persistent struggles with health. The dominate society generational connection to wealth, affords them the ability to access the best in healthcare. AA has very limited access to quality healthcare. According to Eileen M. Crimmins, Mark D. Hayward, and Teresa E. Seeman (2004), “People who are poorer and who have less education are more likely to suffer from diseases, to experience loss of functioning, to be cognitively and physically impaired, and to experience higher mortality rates” (2004), This essay will compare and contrast the health status of the African American minority group and compare to the national average. We will discuss the current health status of this minority group, how health promotion is defined by African Americans, and what health disparities...
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...Decreasing health disparity in the Hispanic community Grand Canyon University Family Centered Health Promotion NRS-429V-O50 Decreasing health disparity in the Hispanic community About 36.6% of the population in the U.S belong to or identifies as one of the 5 ethnic minority groups. These groups are Native Hawaiian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, African American or Black, or Pacific Islander. The U.S has the most expensive health care system in the world yet many of these minority groups are worse off in regards to socioeconomic and health care status if compared to white Americans. It is plain to see this health disparity when some communities have death rates comparable to 3rd world countries. As of 2013, according to the U.S Census Bureau, one of the largest minority groups was people of Hispanic origin; they made up about 17% of the U.S population or approximately 54 million people. This group is a rapidly growing set that it is estimated that by 2060, Hispanics would number around 128.8 million people. ("CDC," 2015) x Just like all ethnic groups in the U.S, the Hispanic population wishes to stay healthy, however due to high rates of poverty, this group experiences huge disparity in health care services. In 2012 29.1% of Hispanics lacked medical insurance. ("CDC," 2015) This becomes a problem that leads to another set of problems. Sick people are often diagnosed at a later time, due to lack of medical insurance or funds to access...
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...1 HEALTH DISPARITIES 2 The Health of Hispanic and Latinos Health disparities in the diverse American demography creates challenges in the overall health status of ethnic minorities. Tragic disadvantages on obtaining optimal health care can be linked to variables such as being from a specific socioeconomic status, race, geographic location, age, gender, mental health, genetic background, or having a disability. This injustice on how health care is being provided is debilitating for patients and the communities that they live in. Statistics Reviewing the statistics for Hispanics in the community against other groups indicates that the overall health of ages is fair or poor health in 9.6% of the population (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015). Another alarming statistic is that 16.4% of men and 7.4% of woman above 18 smoked cigarettes (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015). The rate of people under the age of 65 who did not have health insurance was over 25.5 percent (National Center for Health Statistics, 2015). Many of the diseases in the top categories that caused death in this population were cancer and heart disease (National Center for Health Statistics, 2011). Ethnic Disparities The racial ethnic disparities was greatest in both income and education for Hispanics and Non-Hispanic American Indians/ Alaskan Natives in the year 2011 (Disparities in Healthcare Quality Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups, 2014). Hispanics struggle...
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...MPH 5220 U02D1 Barriers to Reducing Disparities in Health Care July 17, 2013 The purpose of this post is to disseminate the learners view regarding the barriers to reducing disparities in health care. The National Library of Medicine defines Healthcare disparities as a “differences in access to or availability of facilities and services,” and “Health status disparities refer to the variation in rates of disease occurrence and disabilities between socioeconomic and/or geographically defined population groups” (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2013). A barrier to reducing disparities based on race and ethnicity is to increase education related to those chronic diseases that most affect communities of color. Community Outreach and Public Engagement/Cultural Competencies are used within the public sector; however, the effectiveness of these programs must be questioned. Rebecca Voelker (2008) states, “Not only did treatment disparities persist; the magnitude of the disparities did not diminish” (Voelker, 2008), the ineffectiveness of health care programs persist and perpetuates the cycle of health care disparity and health status disparity. Voelker references the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH 2010) a pilot program in South Carolina and Georgia, which are examples of effective outreach to communities of colors, these programs were managed effectively and precisely, thus they were able to reduce the disparity gaps per disease (Voelker, 2008). Voelker’s...
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...The Single Mom NURS 440 April 26, 2015 Deanna Radford There are a lot of assumptions out there about single parents and particularly single moms. For example, there are people who believe that most single moms choose to raise their kids solo, are unemployed, and receive government assistance. While every story is different, most don’t support these assumptions. Once largely limited to poor women and minorities, single motherhood is now becoming the new “norm”. This prevalence is due in part to the growing trend of children born outside marriage, a societal trend that was virtually unheard of decades ago. When you examine U.S. Census data, the actual single parent statistics may surprise you. Single Parents by the Numbers According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 13.7 million single parents in the United States today, and those parents are responsible for raising 22 million children. This number represents approximately 26% of children under 21 in the U. S. today. Despite negative assumptions that most single moms “selfishly” chose to raise their kids solo, the majority of individuals raising children alone started out in committed relationships and never expected to be single parents. Of all single-parent families in the U.S., single mothers make up the majority. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, out of about 12 million single parent families in 2014, more that 80% were headed by single mothers. Today...
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...I E S IN T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S THE ECONOMIC BURDEN OF HEALTH INEQUALITIES IN THE UNITED STATES Thomas A. LaVeist, Ph.D. Darrell J. Gaskin, Ph.D. Patrick Richard, Ph.D. September 2009 foreward Not everyone in the United States enjoys the same health opportunities. Studies show that minority Americans experience poorer than average health outcomes from cradle to the grave. They are much more likely to die as infants, have higher rates of diseases and disabilities, and have shorter life spans. As the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration work toward enactment of legislation to reform America’s health care system, a central focus of the debate has been the projected cost of ensuring accessible and affordable health care to every citizen. While some have struggled with the premise that health care reform can actually reduce health-related spending, the experience of racial and ethnic minorities under our current health care system is a strong indication that improving opportunities for good health – and minimizing inequities in health care access and outcomes – may well be good for the nation’s fiscal health, as well. This study, commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and carried out by leading researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, provides important insight into how much of a financial burden racial disparities are putting on our health care system and society at large. The researchers examined the...
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...Race and Ethnicity in Childhood Obesity Abstract Many early life risk factors for childhood obesity are more prevalent among blacks and Hispanics than among whites and may explain the higher prevalence of obesity among racial/ethnic minority children. Eliminating racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care is a national priority, and obesity is a prime target. During the last 30 years in the United States, the prevalence of obesity among children has dramatically increased, sparing no age group. Obesity in childhood is associated with adverse cardio-metabolic outcomes such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type II diabetes and with other long-term adverse outcomes, including both physical and psychosocial consequences. By the preschool years, racial/ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence are already present, suggesting that disparities in childhood obesity prevalence have their origins in the earliest stages of life. Several risk factors during pregnancy are associated with increased risk of offspring obesity, including excessive maternal gestational weight gain, gestational diabetes, and smoking during pregnancy, antenatal depression, and biological stress. During infancy and early childhood, rapid infant weight gain, infant feeding practices, sleep duration, child’s diet, physical activity, and sedentary practices are associated with the development of obesity. Studies have found substantial racial/ethnic differences in many of these early life risk factors...
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...Hayden Landry 250 868 235 Prof. Narain Preferential Health Care Health is a very important aspect of our everyday lives. The health of an individual and a nation are crucial to the continued progression of said persons, for without our health, we are all but useless. In this essay I seek to examine the benefits of the public healthcare system over it’s private counterpart, not only in Canada, but any country attempting to utilize their society to the fullest. I will argue that the welfare-state liberalistic approach is much better because it seeks to pool the resources of the many and regulate/distribute it to the few in dire need, hopefully resulting in a diminishing number of sick and homeless. I begin my essay by highlighting the importance and function of both the welfare state liberalist’s public heath care and the neoconservative private health care. My argument stands on the grounds that public healthcare in Canada is more tenable because it works for the common good of all people, regardless of socioeconomic class while also placing a primary focus on efficiency, instead of profitability. A viable counterargument is that most working people do not find it ‘fair’ to have their hard-earned money taken to support the lazy or poor(welfare), although in reality the vast majority of these ‘lazy’ poor people or those outside of a private healthcare system are not in the position out of free will. As we examine the positives and negatives of both systems it becomes increasingly...
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