Health Disparities And Health Equity

Disparities in health and health care in the United States have been a longstanding challenge resulting in some groups receiving less and lower quality health care than others and experiencing poorer health outcomes. Hispanics, Blacks, American Indians/Alaska Natives, and low-income individuals are more likely to be uninsured relative to Whites and those with higher incomes. Low-income individuals and people of color also face increased barriers to accessing care, receive poorer quality care, and experience worse health outcomes. The Department of Health and Human Services Disparities Action Plan (HHS) sets out a series of priorities, strategies, actions, and goals to achieve a vision of a nation free of disparities in health and health care.

Discussion Healthy People 2020 basically describes a health disparity as a difference in health trends in a community that is closely related to low socio-economics. Disparities adversely affect populations who have experienced greater obstacles to health based on their socioeconomic status, age, mental health or other characteristics historically linked to systematic discrimination or exclusion (Healthy People 2020).

Health equality is a system where there are no health disparities (as cited in Yukiko, Hurley, Norheim, & Johri, 2015). There are equal opportunities for quality health care for all, regardless of race, status, or income levels. Inequality of health care is out of an individual’s control and is viewed as unfair (Yukiko et al., 2015). Health inequities measure the amount of inequality in health. “In the measurement of health equity, a question arises as to how we should classify unexplained health inequality- fair or unfair, which is an ethical question (Yukiko et al., 2015,

Description of health disparity is a measure of the difference in health outcomes across populations. There are health disparities in income, poorer health in population living, as well as racial and ethnic differences, with Hispanic Americans, African-Americans and Native Americans; they are having majority

Through the weekly courses, lectures and readings, I have learnt a lot about racial and ethnic disparities, racism amongst minorities (Hispanics, African American-Black, Asians, Latinos). America is a nation of immigrants and their health and healthcare consists of multi-ethnic immigrant stories. I want to share some thoughts on racial and ethnic health disparities, on why I think that America is still a racist nation and racism is so insidious and pervasive. Health disparity is defined as a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial

Health Care Disparities and Inequalities Potter and Perry (2017) states, “Health disparities are preventable differences in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health.” Health disparity is experienced by social disadvantaged populations. These vulnerable populations can include race or ethnicity, gender, education, income, disability, and geographic location (Potter & Perry, 2017, p. 33). The Banes family

Since the publication of the Institute of Medicine’s “Unequal Treatment Report” in 2002, highlighting the startling but harsh truths behind these health care differences, there has been a renewed interest in understanding the sources of these inconsistencies, with any seeking to identify contributing factors in hopes of creating an effective solution in reducing or eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care

Cancer in the African American Community Vs. Caucasian Community Justen Hudson Professor Frazier November 16, 2017 Abstract Declining cancer incidence and mortality rates in the United States have continued through the first decade of the twenty-first century. However, Black Americans continue to have the higher cancer mortality rates and shorter survival times. This review discusses and

Healthy People 2020 (2015) states, health disparities are a health outcome of greater or lesser extent between populations, which includes populations by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, education, income, or geographic location. The purpose of the post is to discuss how disparities play a role in health,

The U.S. healthcare has been dealing with disparities for centuries. These disparities can be racial, social, or economical. The disparities are easier to see when compared to other reference points, such as policies, procedure or protocol. Williams & Torrens, 2008 list several disparities when it comes to patient care, such

The United States is faced with multiple health disparities within the country that encompass many challenges for individuals when it comes to the fairness and access to health care. A health disparity is defined as the inconsistency of treatment between two different groups of individuals. Treatment that could be different could be seen as different care due to age, race, ethnicity, culture, or current socioeconomic status (Koh et al., 2012). Treatment may be different or delivered in different ways between literacy component individuals and illiterate individuals and be viewed as unequal care. Healthcare facilities must be cautious when providing care and be cautious of the health disparities that exist in order to provide equal and

In science and medicine, advancement and achievement occurs everyday. Unfortunately, this same progressive profession can be a microcosm for the discrimination that happens worldwide daily, and sometimes seems to be exacerbating alongside discoveries in health. It is undeniable, however disappointing, that health disparities exist. Because of biases and adversities based on an endless list of aspects including, but not limited to, location, race, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status, health disparities are extremely harmful to their victims. With a growing number of minority populations in every demographic, combating health disparities is necessary for the wellbeing of the overall population and improving medical care. My interest

Healthcare disparity refers to differences among groups in health insurance coverage, access to and the use of care, and the quality of care. Also, health disparity refers to the susceptibility of certain population groups to certain these differences in healthcare are unfair, one-sided, and often result in health care discrimination. Health care inconsistencies matter to me because I think it is wrong for one to receive poor quality healthcare or limited access to healthcare because of one’s age, where one lives, one’s sexual orientation, one’s gender, and the list goes on. We should promote equity and consistency of care. Doing this could drive the healthcare system toward improving quality and containing costs since healthcare inequality is costly.

He states that “it doesn’t matter how you achieve it but that you do” (2011). No one pathway taken to greater equality will be the same for differing countries but there are lessons to be learned regarding how similar countries were able to be successful. Sweden was able to attain greater equality by closing the income gap through taxation, having a generous welfare state and benefits for its citizens; on the other hand, Japan was able to do it by having smaller income gaps before taxes and a smaller welfare state (Wilkinson, 2011). What was eye-opening and previously not considered by me was that the same contrasts were seen among states in the U.S. according to Wilkinson. The relationship between justice and health goes beyond health, and includes the structural and political institutions that are intertwined with health as well. Both avenues to greater equality discussed above contained some type of structural or political change that produced an outcome beneficial to all most likely in the areas of health, education, occupation, and improved social conditions. Having this information can direct actions towards looking at all possible approaches to combating inequalities, even those that seem out of the norm or have not been a part of the conversation in the past. Exploring options such as focusing on reducing health inequalities on a small scale (i.e. state level) instead of on the national level; how this looks and what results could potentially come from it are considerations of justice in our healthcare system. Inequalities, whether income, racial, or health based did not spring up overnight; they are the result of historical, political, and economic policies and decision making that shaped the landscape of countries where inequality

Dr P. Braveman, “Defining equity in health”, J Epidemiol Community Health 2003; 57:254-258 doi: 10.1136/ jech.57.4.254. Paula Braveman’s education is as follows: MD, MPH is Professor of Family and Community Medicine and