Health Status of African American Population
Select an ethnic minority group that is represented in the United States (American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander). Using health information available from Healthy People, the CDC, and other relevant government websites, analyze the health status for this group.
In a paper of 1,000-1,250 words, compare and contrast the health status of your selected minority group to the national average. Include the following:
1.Describe the ethnic minority group selected. Describe the current health status of this group. How do race and ethnicity influence health for this group?
2.What are the health disparities that exist for this group? What are the nutritional challenges for this group?
3.Discuss the barriers to health for this group resulting from culture, socioeconomics, education, and sociopolitical factors.
4.What health promotion activities are often practiced by this group?
5.Describe at least one approach using the three levels of health promotion prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) that is likely to be the most effective in a care plan given the unique needs of the minority group you have selected. Provide an explanation of why it might be the most effective choice.
6. What cultural beliefs or practices must be considered when creating a care plan? What cultural theory or model would be best to support culturally competent health promotion for this population? Why?
Cite at least three peer-reviewed or scholarly sources to complete this assignment. Sources should be published within the last 5 years and appropriate for the assignment criteria and public health content.
Health Promotion in African American Population
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Health Promotion in African American Population
One of the minority groups that continue to face significant health disparities in the United States is the African Americans. African Americans have a unique history and culture that has influenced their health outcomes. To this end, members of the minority have faced significant social and economic challenges, including systemic racism and discrimination, which have contributed to disparities in health outcomes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Notably, addressing these disparities will require a multifaceted approach that includes efforts to address systemic racism and discrimination, improve access to quality healthcare, and address social determinants of health.
Notably, data from the Centers for Disease Control shows that young African Americans are being affected by disease that are largely experienced by White Americans at an older age, which eventually results in early death among the members of the group (Simons et al., 2021). Race and ethnicity have a significant influence on health for African Americans given that they experience worse economic and social conditions. Thus, African Americans may face barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to factors such as lack of insurance, transportation, and cultural competency among healthcare providers. Further, social determinants of health such as poverty, inadequate housing, and food insecurity also disproportionately affect African Americans.
The African American are experiencing worse outcomes in chronic disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke, and are more likely to die due to all causes earlier than whites (Simons et al., 2021). As a minority, African Americas experience health disparities in several disorders including HIV/AIDs, cancer, and chronic diseases. African Americans also experience higher rates of mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, which often go undiagnosed and untreated. Compared to other races, African American infants have higher rates of infant mortality. The disparities are worsened by several nutritional challenges that African Americans face as a minority. Notably, exposure to unfavorable economic conditions means that members of the African American minority face food insecurity and have limited access to healthy food options such as fresh groceries. African Americans may have limited knowledge about healthy eating habits and how to prepare nutritious meals on a budget (Muvuka et al., 2020). For example, most African Americans are not aware that traditional African American cuisine, such as soul food, can be high in calories, sodium, and fat, leading to an increased risk of obesity and related health conditions.
In order to enhance healthcare access to African Americans it is essential to acknowledge barriers that they face towards the achievement of favorable health outcomes. Notably, some of the cultural beliefs and practices serve as cultural barriers as they have negative influence on their health outcomes. For example, some may believe in the use of home remedies rather than seeking medical attention for certain health conditions. Socioeconomic barriers are another significant aspect in the sense that some members of the group live in poverty leading to limited nutritional choices and impairing the access to healthcare services (Churchwell et al., 2020). Further, African Americans may have limited access to quality healthcare due to factors such as lack of insurance, transportation, and cultural competency among healthcare providers. African Americans also face education barriers in terms of limited access to education, which can limit job opportunities and lead to lower income and reduced access to healthcare. A healthcare provider must also consider the impact of experience of systemic racism and discrimination and how it likely to influence healthcare outcomes among African Americans (Churchwell et al., 2020). Such sociopolitical barriers contribute to chronic stress, negatively impacting health outcomes. Additionally, policies and laws that disproportionately impact African Americans, such as mass incarceration, can also contribute to poor health outcomes. In such a way, being aware of the various barriers to health for African Americans can facilitate the development of multifaceted initiatives to address the barriers.
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