Social Determinants Health Disparities

Check our essay writing services here

Health has multiple influences. In this week’s unit you have been introduced to health disparities and the social determinants of health. In this week’s discussion:

• Define health disparity in your own words.
• Identify a specific health disparity using scholarly evidence.
• Discuss the social determinants of health that influence this disparity.

APA

Health Disparities and Social Determinants of Health

Health disparities refer to the differences in health outcomes and access to healthcare that exist between various groups, often due to factors such as socioeconomic status, race, gender, and geographic location. These disparities lead to unequal burdens of disease, disability, and mortality across different populations.

One specific health disparity is the higher incidence of type 2 diabetes among Black and Hispanic populations in the United States. Studies show that these groups have a significantly greater risk of developing diabetes compared to their White counterparts, largely due to a combination of social and economic factors (Hill-Briggs et al., 2021).

Social determinants of health that influence this disparity include socioeconomic status, access to healthy foods, and availability of healthcare services. Individuals in lower-income neighborhoods often face limited access to affordable healthy food options, contributing to poor nutrition, which is a risk factor for diabetes. Additionally, barriers to healthcare access, such as lack of insurance and transportation challenges, make it harder to receive preventative care or manage existing conditions effectively. Addressing these social determinants is essential in reducing disparities in diabetes and promoting equitable health outcomes.

Reference

Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., & Thornton, P. L. (2021). Social determinants of health and diabetes: A scientific review. Diabetes Care, 44(1), 258-279.