Health disparity

Full Answer Section

Social Determinants of Health Influencing Cardiovascular Disparity

Several social determinants of health contribute to this disparity:

1. Socioeconomic Factors:

   • Poverty: Lower socioeconomic status is linked to limited access to healthy foods, safe housing, and quality healthcare.
   • Education: Lower levels of education can limit health literacy and understanding of risk factors for CVD.

2. Racial and Ethnic Discrimination:

   • Implicit Bias: Healthcare providers may have unconscious biases that can affect the quality of care received by Black patients.
   • Structural Racism: Systemic racism can limit access to quality healthcare, housing, and employment opportunities, which can negatively impact cardiovascular health.

3. Stress and Trauma:

   • Chronic Stress: Exposure to chronic stress, such as discrimination and poverty, can increase the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
   • Historical Trauma: The legacy of slavery, segregation, and other forms of systemic racism can contribute to ongoing health disparities.

4. Access to Care:

   • Insurance Coverage: Lack of health insurance or inadequate coverage can hinder access to preventive care, medication, and timely medical treatment.
   • Geographic Location: Geographic disparities in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, can limit the availability of specialized cardiac care.

Addressing these social determinants of health requires a multifaceted approach that includes policies, programs, and interventions aimed at reducing disparities in socioeconomic status, improving access to quality healthcare, and challenging systemic racism.

Sample Answer

Health Disparity: A Definition

A health disparity is a preventable difference in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that exists between certain population groups. These disparities often arise from systemic inequities in social, economic, environmental, and political factors.  

A Specific Health Disparity: Maternal Mortality Rates

One significant health disparity is the higher maternal mortality rate among Black women compared to white women in the United States. Numerous studies have documented this disparity, highlighting a persistent and troubling issue in healthcare.  

Social Determinants of Health Influencing Maternal Mortality Disparities

Several social determinants of health contribute to this disparity: