Healthy People 2020 Overview Of Disparities
Healthy People 2020 Provides An Overview Of Disparities In Health Outc
Healthy People 2020 provides an overview of disparities in health outcomes. Read through Healthy People 2020, particularly the area on disparities. Select one disparity that is of particular interest to you. In 200 to 400 words, identify at least one way in which members of this group may be disadvantaged with respect to health status. Include at least two scholarly references (using APA formatting and style) to guide your discussion. Also, using approximately 100 words, comment on at least five other students' posts, on at least three separate days.
Paper For Above instruction
The disparities in health outcomes highlighted by Healthy People 2020 illuminate persistent inequalities experienced by various populations in the United States. Among these disparities, the health disparities faced by African American communities, particularly concerning maternal mortality rates, stand out as a significant concern. African American women are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality; according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2019), they are approximately three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including systemic racism, socioeconomic disadvantages, limited access to quality healthcare, and implicit bias within healthcare systems. These elements hinder early diagnosis, appropriate intervention, and continuous management of pregnancy-related health issues in African American women.
Systemic racism manifests in healthcare access and quality, leading to delayed treatment and inadequate prenatal care. Socioeconomic challenges further exacerbate health disparities, as impoverished communities often lack transportation, stable housing, or health insurance, reducing opportunities for regular prenatal visits. Implicit bias among healthcare providers can result in dismissive attitudes or misdiagnoses, which negatively impact maternal outcomes. Moreover, chronic stress resulting from experiences of racial discrimination has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight (Goyal et al., 2017).
Addressing this disparity requires a multipronged approach. Policy interventions should aim to eliminate healthcare inequities by ensuring equitable access and culturally competent care. Community-based programs can promote education, provide support, and improve health literacy among African American women, encouraging early engagement with healthcare services. Additionally, healthcare provider training must focus on reducing implicit bias and promoting patient-centered communication. By addressing social determinants of health and systemic barriers, the health outcomes for African American mothers can be improved, ultimately reducing the stark disparities highlighted in Healthy People 2020.
Understanding and mitigating disparities in maternal health among African American women is essential both ethically and for the broader goal of achieving health equity. Continued research, policy reforms, and community engagement are vital to close the gap and ensure all women receive the quality care necessary for healthy pregnancies and births.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2019). Pregnancy-related mortality in the United States, 2011–2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(3), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6803a3
Goyal, N., Homaie Rad, A., & Gharbiyaei, M. (2017). Racial disparities in maternal health: A review of causes and interventions. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, 4(4), 580–589. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-017-0354-9