Certain Population Groups In The United States Face Greater

Certain Population Groups In The United States Face Greater Barriers

Members of specific population groups in the United States often encounter significant barriers in accessing timely and necessary healthcare services or have unique health-related issues that frequently go unaddressed. These groups are commonly referred to as underserved populations, medically underserved, vulnerable, marginalized, or underprivileged populations. Among these, African Americans and Hispanics are notably recognized as particularly disadvantaged and vulnerable due to the disparities they face in health outcomes and healthcare access.

Vulnerability among these populations is often rooted in predisposing characteristics—including demographic factors, cultural belief systems, and social structural variables—that influence their social position, access to resources, health behaviors, and overall health status (Shi & Singh, 2019). Such attributes are often external to the individuals' immediate control but significantly impact their health outcomes. For example, African Americans experience various health disparities, including higher rates of premature death, shorter life expectancy, and increased likelihood of economic challenges compared to white Americans. Data indicate that Black males are more prone to smoking, and infant mortality rates for African Americans are more than double those of non-Hispanic whites. Additionally, African Americans face higher homicide rates and greater incidences of stroke and coronary heart disease-related deaths (CDC, 2013).

Similarly, Hispanic Americans also encounter substantial health disparities. They are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, and AIDS remains the leading cause of death within this group. Obesity prevalence is higher among Hispanics over 18 years old, and a significant proportion of Hispanic families live below the poverty line, which exacerbates health inequities. Homicide ranks as a secondary cause of death among Hispanic males, emphasizing ongoing violence-related health issues (CDC, 2013).

Research consistently demonstrates that minority groups have poorer access to healthcare services than their white counterparts, even when accounting for variables such as insurance status, socioeconomic factors, and baseline health conditions (Shi & Singh, 2019). Higher illness and death rates among minorities are well-documented, with disparities evident in infant mortality, general mortality rates, and birth weights. These inequities are further compounded by uneven distribution of healthcare resources geographically. Minorities tend to reside in areas with limited access to high-quality healthcare facilities, especially in rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged communities (Bulatao, 2004; Waidmann & Rajan, 2000; Wennberg & Cooper, 1999).

Geography plays a crucial role in health disparities. The uneven distribution of racial and ethnic populations across different regions means that healthcare access and quality are often determined by residence rather than individual need. For instance, minority populations living in rural areas may encounter higher barriers to care than those living in urban centers. This geographic variation in healthcare providers, facilities, and services contributes significantly to the disparities observed among underserved groups (Bulatao, 2004).

The biblical proverb, Proverbs 22:2, states, “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all,” emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity, deserve equitable access to quality healthcare. Ethical principles in healthcare advocate for eliminating disparities and ensuring that every person receives the care necessary to attain optimal health outcomes. Addressing these disparities requires concerted efforts in policy reform, resource allocation, and cultural competence in healthcare delivery to serve underserved populations effectively.

References

• Bulatao, R. A. (2004). Understanding Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health in Late Life. National Academies Press.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2013). Health Disparities and Inequalities Report. CDC.
• Shi, L., & Singh, D. A. (2019). Essentials of the U.S. Health Care System (4th ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Waidmann, T. A., & Rajan, S. (2000). Race and Place: Variations in Medical Care and Health. American Journal of Public Health, 90(11), 1737–1744.
• Wennberg, J. E., & Cooper, M. K. (1999). The Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care. American Journal of Public Health, 89(3), 398–404.
• Williams, D. R., & Jackson, P. B. (2005). Social Sources of Racial Disparities in Health. Health Affairs, 24(2), 325–334.
• Fiscella, K., & Sanders, M. R. (2006). Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Health Care. Annual Review of Public Health, 27, 239–257.
• Kawachi, I., & Subramanian, S. V. (2002). Neighborhoods and Health: Evidence and Epidemiology. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, 56(11), 793–794.
• Williams, D. R., & Mohammed, S. A. (2009). Discrimination and Racial Disparities in Health: Evidence and Needed Research. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 32(1), 20–31.