HSCI Week 4 Texas-Mexico Border Health Indicators ✓ Solved

H S C I – W E E K 4 TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER HEALTH INDICATORS

The following slides will review several social determinants of health, health behaviors, and health outcomes for the Lower Rio Grande Valley along the Texas-Mexico border.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley includes Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties with a population of over 1.3 million, 90% of which is of Hispanic or Latino origin. Research shows that health disparities result from complex sociologic, cultural, political, economic, and health care contexts, reflecting in the various health indicators within this region.

Social Determinants of Health

The social determinants of health include factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare, which significantly influence health outcomes. For instance, poverty is a critical determinant, with individuals living in poverty being more likely to experience higher rates of disease, cognitive and physical impairments, and increased mortality rates. In the Lower Rio Grande Valley, the percentage of individuals living below the poverty line is alarmingly high compared to the national average.

Poverty Indicators

Recent data shows that 35% of residents in Hidalgo County and 39% in Willacy County live below the poverty line, compared to 16% nationally. This stark disparity underscores the socioeconomic challenges faced by communities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, further aggravating health disparities.

Education Levels

Educational attainment is another critical social determinant, with a correlation between higher education levels and improved health outcomes. In the Valley, only 64% of individuals hold a high school diploma compared to 86% nationally. Studies have indicated that increased educational achievements lead to reduced mortality rates, emphasizing the importance of educational opportunities in health.

Healthcare Access

Access to healthcare services is essential to prevent and manage health issues effectively. The rates of uninsured individuals in the region are significantly higher than the national average, with 30% of residents in Cameron and Hidalgo counties lacking health insurance. This lack of coverage leads to lower utilization of preventative services, such as screenings and immunizations, resulting in poorer health outcomes.

Health Outcomes

The health outcomes in the Lower Rio Grande Valley reflect a concerning pattern, with high rates of obesity and diabetes prevalence among the population. Recent figures show obesity rates exceeding 49% in some counties, coupled with high diabetes prevalence, further exacerbating public health challenges.

The Hispanic Paradox

The "Hispanic Paradox" is an intriguing phenomenon where many Hispanic individuals, despite lower socioeconomic status, report better health outcomes than expected. Possible explanations include cultural factors, family support systems, and a strong sense of community, all contributing to resilience against common health disparities, though underreporting of health issues may also play a role.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Addressing health disparities in the Lower Rio Grande Valley requires multi-faceted strategies focused on improving social determinants of health through education, better access to healthcare, and economic support. Initiatives should aim to reduce poverty, enhance educational resources, and expand health insurance coverage to foster a healthier community.

Future Directions

Efforts should also incorporate community engagement and collaboration with local organizations to develop culturally relevant health promotion programs. Continuous research on the impacts of these determinants will help inform policies and interventions targeted at reducing health disparities in the region.

References

• Adler, N. E., Boyce, W. T., Chesney, M. A., Folkman, S., & Syme, S. L. (1993). Socioeconomic inequalities in health: No easy solution. JAMA, 269(24), 3140-3145.
• Marmot, M., Ryff, C. D., Bumpass, L. L., Shipley, M., & Marks, N. F. (1997). Social inequalities in health: Next questions and converging evidence. Social Science & Medicine, 44(6), 901-910.
• Krueger, P. M., Tran, M. K., Hummer, R. A., & Chang, V. W. (2015). Mortality attributable to low levels of education in the United States. PLoS One, 10(7), e0131339.
• Marmot, M. G., Kogevinas, M., & Elston, M. A. (1987). Social/economic status and disease. Annual Review of Public Health, 8, 111-135.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Teen birth rates in the U.S.
• Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (2015). U.S. County Profiles: Health profiles by county.
• Markides, K. S., & Coreil, J. (1986). The health of Hispanics in the Southwestern United States: An Epidemiologic Paradox. Public Health Reports, 101(3), 253-265.
• U.S. Census Bureau. (2015). American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Housing problems: A statistical overview.
• U.S. Census Bureau, Small Area Health Insurance Estimates. (2015). Health insurance coverage by state and counties.