...Health Disparities in Maternal Health and Birth Outcomes of Women in the United States The Health Resources and Services Administration, defines health disparities as “population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care” (Mandal, 2014). This paper will focus on the health disparities existing within the United States between women of various ethnicities. Specifically, the disparities we will discuss incorporate preterm births, low birth rates, and infant deaths. First, a brief background will be presented, followed by two solutions to combat the issue, and finally I will conclude with my recommendations for the foremost beneficial approach to combat these distressing disparities. Background...
Words: 1192 - Pages: 5
...Health Promotion Among Diverse Populations Grand Canyon University: NRS-429V Health Promotion Among Diverse Populations The United States is a Nation of diverse races and cultures. The population of the United States is broken down into two classifications: the majority and the minority. As of 2014 the majority of individuals living in the US classified themselves as white, which is defined as “a person originating from any of the original people of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa”. As of 2014 this group made up 77.4 percent of the US population (USCB, 2014). The rest of the US population consists of many different races, collectively called the minority. The minority is made up of multiple different races, including but not limited to: American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander. Healthcare disparities for minority groups in the US are larger than for the majority group; the minority group bears a disproportionate burden of disease, injury, premature death, and disability. For persons of these racial/ethnic minority populations, health disparities can mean lower life expectancy, decreased quality of life, loss of economic opportunities, and perceptions of injustice (CDC, 2004). The Hispanic or Latino race in particular has a larger gap in quality health care and disease prevention than most others. This report will discuss the health status, health promotion...
Words: 983 - Pages: 4
...Health Disparities Health disparities are the health issues that different groups of people have based on many factors. These factors include race, gender, economic status, and age. Many types of disparities exist in the United States, mostly in health. This disparity in health has been an issue for many decades. Individuals with less education are more likely to experience a number of health risks. These health risks include obesity and substance abuse compared to those with more education. “Other influences on healthcare include the availability of access to high-quality education, nutritious food, health insurance, and decent and safe housing” (Disparities). As the population becomes more diverse it is important that we acknowledge health disparities. One of the health disparities that this diversing of the population involves is the access and quality care cannot keep up with the demands. “Today a number of groups are at a disproportionate risk of being uninsured, lacking access to care, and experiencing worse health incomes including people of color and low come individuals”. (Kaiser) Today the life expectancy of American’s is much greater than it was 50-100 years ago. Thus, meaning our elderly are much more in need or good health care and insurance. Even though health has improved for our older generation and the life expectancy has grown some do not receive equal health care based on their income. The CDC recognizes this is a continuing problem and they are trying to...
Words: 518 - Pages: 3
...Health Disparity as a Public Health Initiative A Public Health Initiative involves all the activities whose establishment points towards improving the present and forthcoming defines in the health sector. The significant aim of PHI encompasses from the provision of essentials that assists given countries to adhere to the practice of healthy policies. In the long run, it will in turn lead to the creation of various opportunities including research and training of health workers. One of the health initiatives involves the Health Disparity. There exists a broad discrimination in the event in which various patients receive health services. It, therefore, puts health disparity as one of the public health initiatives. In this regard, this paper discusses more health inequality and its relevance to the health sector (Barr, 2014). Health disparity is a standard issue in the present world. It is a matter that arises due to the distinctiveness in the ethnic background, the color difference of individuals and the even difference in the language spoken. However, in the event of finding a solution to the given disparity, there exist certain principles of economics for evaluating and assessing the need for health inequality. The first principle advocates for the equal treatment of everybody in need of medical attention. It is a principle whose aims majors in equity (Bayer, 2012). Regardless of an individual’s ethnic background, each and every person dwelling in the planet earth deserves...
Words: 1560 - Pages: 7
...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...
Words: 1037 - Pages: 5
...Analysis of Contemporary Health Care Issue National health care expenses in the United States have been on the rise more rapidly than the national financial system for countless years, however several United States citizens are still lacking adequate health care. Sadly, health care spending is only going to rise and many people in the United States may have to make complicated decisions involving health care and additional responsibilities in their everyday lives if we do not start to reform. By reforming, it is hoped that America will see an increase to high-quality, affordable health care for all. Not only are private sector insurances enduring challenges due to health care spending, but Medicaid and Medicare are also. The Health Care Reform Act is hoping to drive down the cost or at least maintain the cost of health care spending. The reform is hoping to offer a delivery system that works better for clinicians and provider organizations by reducing their administrative burdens and helping them collaborate to improve care. The achievement of this reform will hopefully lead to assessable development in outcomes of care, and in the general health of the American people. Profit/Non-profit Although the provision of health services is dominated by not-for-profit organizations, there are many for-profit organizations as well that are affected by health care spending. With the National Health Care Reform Act, both profit and non-profit organizations could see a boost in...
Words: 1722 - Pages: 7
...Health Promotion Among Diverse Populations Marcia Maris Grand Canyon University NRS-429v November 14, 2015 The purpose of this paper is to discuss the health status of the American Indian/ Alaskan Native (AI/AN). A comparison and contrast of AI/ANs with the national average regarding the health status such as heart disease and strokes will be presented. Multifactorial barriers limiting health, and the overall factors affecting health within this population are identified. Current health status will be presented including health promotion and disparities among this US population. Primary, secondary, and tertiary health promotions will be discussed along with one approach to promoting health offered. According to the office of Management and Budget’s “American Indian or Alaskan Native” refers to one who has origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America, including Central America, and maintains ties and connections to a tribe or tribal community (United States Census Bureau, 2010). Results of the 2010 census revealed there were 5.2 million people or 1.7 percent of the population who were Native American/ Alaskan Native. Chronic diseases and risk factors among AI/AN groups remain high. When compared to white populations AI/ANs are more likely to have diabetes and high blood pressure, be obese, and smoke cigarettes ( Centers for Diseas Control, 2015). The death rates from heart disease is 20 percent greater and from strokes are 14...
Words: 1347 - Pages: 6
...The Future Challenges Facing Health Care in the United States Gregrey McDaniel Professor: Manuel Johnican, PhD Strayer University HSA 500 11 June 2011 Identify and describe at least three of the most difficult issues facing health care in the United States today. One of the most difficult issues facing the United States health care system is combating diseases. Even with mortality rates continuing to decrease and with life expectancy rates continuing to increase, these trends are masking concerns with specific diseases, injuries, and population groups. The diseases that still give us a formidable challenge include many varieties of cancer, some kinds of infectious diseases, and influenza. The second difficult issue is health disparities. These disparities are widespread. Differences in how patients receive treatment and the access to treatment are measurable through financial, physical, and attitudinal indicators. Disparities affect all groups of our population. These disparities are related to race, sex, language, genetics, age, and income. We all could benefit from a more efficient system which removes or minimalizes disparities. The third difficult issue facing the health care system in the United States is paying for health care. In the United States, we have had insurance as the biggest payer of health care for many years. There has been evolution in the types of insurance and how they manage aspects of the business. Insurance companies have been held...
Words: 1221 - Pages: 5
...Health disparities among racial and ethnic groups present a complex national issue. ….Health disparities are the differences in frequency, commonly occurring, raising the death rate, diseases that are difficult to bear, and other adverse health conditions or outcome that exists among specific population groups in the United States. …The specific population groups can be based on gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geography, sexual orientation, disability, or special health care needs. Health disparities occur among groups who have persistently experienced historic trauma, social disadvantage, or discrimination. They are widespread in the United States as demonstrated by the fact that many minority groups in the United States have a higher incidence of chronic diseases, higher mortality, and poorer health outcomes when compared to whites.” ( Multicultural Health. n.d., p.14) …The causes of health disparities are due to both voluntary and involuntary factors. Voluntary factors are related to health behaviors, such as smoking and diet, and can be avoided. …Factors such as genetics, living and working in unhealthy conditions, limited or no access to health care, language barriers, limited financial resources, and low health literacy skills are often viewed as being involuntary and unfair, because they are not within that person’s control.”(Multicultural Health., n.d., p.19) From the research reported by the institute of medicine an overwhelming body of evidence in the...
Words: 568 - Pages: 3
...Challenges Facing Health Care in the United States Liz M. Santiago Dr. Watson HSA 500 March 11, 2012 Identify and describe at least three of the most difficult issues facing health care in the United States today. Our health care system is complex in the way it is setup and the way it operates. There are many key issues that face the health care system in the United States today. Three of the most difficult issues include diseases, health disparities and paying for health care. As we are capable of preventing diseases through preventive medicine and advanced technology, the mortality rate of the United States will continue to decline. Although this may be true, macro trends such as illnesses, diseases, injuries, and population groups are of concern. “Differential morbidity and mortality between men and women, among different ethnic groups, in different age groups within the population, by geographic region, and in other important population comparisons raise red flags about our limited successes for certain populations, and the challenges that we face” (Torrens & Williams, 2009). Health concerns such as hypertension, obesity, injuries and chronic diseases surround individuals in the United States today, regardless of their race, gender, income status or geographical location. Although a steady income, health insurance and access to care may exist for some individuals across the United States, health disparities are still clearly...
Words: 1293 - Pages: 6
...Provide an introduction. The United States (U.S.), health disparities report to be a continuance area of focus among racial, ethnical, and physical disabilities groups than any others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2014). Health disparities affected the social and environmental attributes to the sickness of a population (CDC, 2014). More than ever, effort are being made to target the fundamental causes of health disparities in the U.S. One of the underlining causes of health disparities is the lack of access to medical and preventative services. In the U.S. access to adequate medical services, require health insurance coverages in which 42.0 million that of 13.4% of the U.S. population without coverage (United States...
Words: 308 - Pages: 2
...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...
Words: 5709 - Pages: 23
...Heath disparities or health inequalities are defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as “gaps in health outcomes or determinants between segments of the population”. The CDC has put together the CDC Health Disparities and Inequalities Report in 2013 to address the many issues concerning the health disparities of minority groups in the United States. One of the minority groups addressed in the report is the African American or black ethnic group that in 2013 comprised of 15% of the United States population. More African Americans rate health services in their community as fair to poor than whites (Becker and Newsom, 2003). Life expectancy has more than doubled for African Americans in the 20th century but they still face a higher burden of disability, disease and death than do whites (Becker and Newsom, 2003). By identifying and understanding the health disparities and being aware of the differences regarding health determinants and outcomes in the African American population the better able we are to do something to reduce these disparities (CDC Newsroom). The top three Health disparities among the African American population include heart disease as the number one cause of death, cancer, and stroke (CDC and Prevention). African Americans had the largest number of deaths from heart disease and stroke in the United States compared to other ethnic groups. They have the highest prevalence in untreated hypertension which leads to both heart disease and strokes...
Words: 844 - Pages: 4
...Racial and ethnic disparities in health disproportionately affect minority Americans. One of the greatest challenges facing the US healthcare system is the persistence of disparities in infant and maternal health among the different racial and ethnic groups. Now a day a major concern which is affecting communities on overall pertaining to childbirth is preterm births in the United States of America. In fact, preterm births and low birth weight have negative consequences not only for the infants and their families but also on the society. Actual delivery before 37 weeks of gestation is the primary concern and low birth weights have a major impact on the functional domains, such as cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, and hyperactivity disorder (Brooks-Gunn J., McCarton C. M., Casey P. H., McCormick M. C., Bauer C. R., Bernbaum J. C., Tonascia J. (1994). Babies who weigh 5.5 pounds (2500grams) or less at birth are low babies with low birth weight. Babies weighing 3.3 pounds (1500 grams) or less are Very low birth weight babies. There is a significant medical and social cost for low birth weight infants and preterm births. Low birth weight is a major predictor of infant mortality. Ethnic and cultural group’s disparities related to low birth weight infant and preterm infant are significantly disproportionate, affecting minority Americans. Although infant morbidity cannot be directly linked with low birth weight but it is a frequently used as a marker for poor health at birth because...
Words: 790 - Pages: 4
...Health Disparity Among African-Americans Melissa Swanson Grand Canyon University Family Centered Health Promotion NRS-429V-0506 Sandi Coufal February 8, 2015 Heath Disparity among African-Americans The United States is a melting pot of cultural diversity. For a country that was founded by individuals fleeing persecution, it has taken us many years to grant African-Americans equal rights, and even longer for those rights to be recognized. Despite all the effort to eliminate inequality in this country, health disparity among this minority group remains a significant issue. Research in this area has pointed to several key reasons for this gap that center on differences in culture, socioeconomics, and lack of health literacy. The CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report of 2011 shows the average American’s life expectancy at 78.8 years, while the average African-American should expect to live only 75.3 years. The statistics gathered by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) are striking in painting the health status of African-Americans in this country. African-American infants have a mortality rate twice that of Caucasian infants. The CDC recognized that African-Americans lead the nation in death rates from heart disease and stroke, as compared to any other ethnicity. The United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health presented data in 2012 showing that African-American adults have a 40% higher rate of hypertension and a 10% less...
Words: 1899 - Pages: 8
