Health Disparities Factors In Black African Diabetes
The Health Disparities Factors In Diabetes Of Black African American
The health Disparities factors in diabetes of Black- African American women and white- non Hispanic women all under the age of 30. By: Talia Powell HNSC 3184 Introduction/Problem Topic: The psychosocial factor in diabetes of Black African American women and White –Non Hispanic women. This topic is important to consider because diabetes is a lifelong disease. This disease is essential within health disparities because not all women may receive access to health care. “Women are considered a vulnerable population” meaning women are naturally powerful when it comes to certain aspects of the world.
Melkus, Whittemore & Mitchell (2009) emphasize that women are open and expressive beings, conveying emotions that influence their health behaviors. The difference in diabetes outcomes between women of color (Black) and White non-Hispanic women is often rooted in psychosocial characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial because they affect disease management and health disparities. The study aims to explore how psychosocial factors influence diabetes in Black African American women compared to White non-Hispanic women, including stress, depression, confidence, and social support.
Literature Review
Psychosocial factors significantly impact the experience of diabetes in Black African American women and White non-Hispanic women. Elements such as depression, confidence, emotional distress, and social support are intertwined with disease management. Whittemore (2009) notes that emotional distress—including worries, anger, and frustration—may increase the risk of poor glycemic control in women with diabetes. Depression, in particular, affects blood sugar regulation in both racial groups, leading to challenges in disease management.
Stress emerges as a prominent psychosocial factor affecting women across races, contributing to high blood pressure, weight gain, sleep disturbances, unhealthy eating habits, and alcohol consumption—all risk factors for developing or exacerbating diabetes. Feinn, Tennen, and Wagner (2006) highlight that chronic stress can precipitate physiological and behavioral changes that increase diabetes risk. Furthermore, racial disparities influence the prevalence and management of diabetes. Studies indicate that Black women tend to develop diabetes partly due to adverse health behaviors and cumulative stressors across the lifespan. Interestingly, some research shows lower rates of gestational diabetes among Black women, which may relate to genetic or socioeconomic factors, while age and obesity disparities further complicate the picture (Sharma & Andrea, 2014).
These differences underscore the importance of targeted interventions and health education tailored to cultural and racial contexts. Both Black and White women face challenges posed by diabetes but may experience and cope with these challenges differently due to varying psychosocial factors, access to healthcare, and social determinants of health.
Discussion Questions
- Do you know anyone who has diabetes or has ever experienced diabetes?
- What actions did they take to manage their condition?
- What types of clinics or workshops are available to help women with diabetes besides consulting a nutritionist or doctor?
Psychosocial Outcomes
| Race | Confidence | Depressed Mood | Support | Diet Self-Management | Exercise Self-Management | Medication Self-Management (Missed Dose) | Psychosocial Distress (Paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black (n=34) | 2.65 (0.97), p=0.05 | 2.03 (1.46), p=0.21 | 2.33 (0.96), p=0.01 | 2.68 (1.14), p=0.01 | 2.85 (1.50), p=0.05 | 1.74 (1.09), p=0.06 | 72.35 (31.65), p=0.02 |
| White (n=46) | 3.07 (0.95) | 1.79 (1.21) | 3.09 (1.17) | 3.57 (0.95) | 3.41 (1.15) | 1.34 (0.76) | 58.78 (23.38) |
Goals of Presentation
- Address disparities in diabetes outcomes between Black and White women.
- Highlight how psychosocial factors influence emotional distress and disease management.
- Discuss strategies to improve psychosocial health, including education, support, and community resources.
Summary & Conclusion
Overall, diabetes is a chronic, lifelong disease that requires ongoing management. The research indicates that Black women face additional psychosocial challenges such as higher stress levels, depression, and limited social support, all of which negatively influence their ability to manage diabetes effectively. These disparities are rooted in social determinants, including socioeconomic status, access to healthcare, cultural beliefs, and experiences of discrimination.
Effective management of diabetes in Black African American women involves addressing these psychosocial factors through culturally sensitive education, community-based interventions, and accessible healthcare services. Lifestyle modifications like healthy eating and regular exercise are essential components; however, overcoming psychosocial barriers is crucial for sustainable health outcomes. Interventions that improve stress management, enhance social support, and foster resilience can significantly reduce the burden of diabetes and improve quality of life among Black women.
Implementing community-based workshops and educational programs in schools and workplaces can serve as proactive strategies to foster awareness and early intervention. Such programs should incorporate not only medical and nutritional education but also psychosocial support tailored to cultural contexts. Through combined efforts from healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers, disparities in diabetes outcomes can be minimized, promoting equity in health.
Recommendations
Developing targeted workshops and support groups in various settings such as schools, workplaces, and community centers can increase awareness and empower women to take control of their health. Integrating mental health services and stress management techniques into diabetes care can further improve outcomes. Additionally, training community health workers to deliver culturally tailored education can bridge gaps in care and enhance trust within marginalized populations.
References
- Bermudez-Millan, A., Schumann, K., Feinn, R., Tennen, H., & Wagner, J. (2016). Behavioral reactivity to acute stress among Black and White women with type 2 diabetes: The roles of income and racial discrimination. Journal of Health Psychology, 21(9), 1870-1882.
- Feinn, R., Tennen, H., & Wagner, J. (2006). The influence of stress and coping on glycemic control among African American women with type 2 diabetes. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(2), 125-133.
- Melkus, G., Whittemore, R., & Mitchell, J. (2009). Type 2 Diabetes in Urban Black and Rural White Women. The Diabetes Educator, 35(2), 209-219.
- Sharma, S., & Andrea, H. (2014). Racial disparities in gestational diabetes mellitus among Black and White women. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 18(3), 672-676.
- Whittemore, R. (2009). Psychosocial factors and diabetes management among African American women. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 66(4), 331-338.
- American Diabetes Association. (2022). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022. Diabetes Care, 45(Supplement 1), S1-S232.
- Chou, C.-H., et al. (2013). Socioeconomic disparities and behavioral risk factors for diabetes in minority populations. Preventing Chronic Disease, 10, E114.
- Carter, E. C., et al. (2018). Culturally tailored diabetes management programs for African Americans: A systematic review. Journal of Community Health, 43(4), 704-712.
- Shah, P. S., et al. (2020). Stress and social support as determinants of diabetes management among African American women: A qualitative study. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, 169, 108469.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Diabetes and African Americans. CDC.gov.