Identify A Health Disparity Prevalent In Saudi Arabia

Identify A Health Disparity Prevalent In The Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia

Identify a health disparity prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Examples include, but are not limited to, nutrition- and lifestyle-related risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, as well as lack of insurance. Include any tables or figures containing statistics to support your narrative. Based on what you learned, address the following: Identify a vulnerable population and a specific health disparity prevalent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Clearly explain the health disparities and why it is worse for your selected vulnerable population. What are some of the positive social changes that need to be accomplished to protect these populations? Discuss a local, regional, or national policy to protect the identified vulnerable populations from this disparity. What are some of the moral and ethical obligations that need to be considered with regard to the policy? Embed course material concepts, principles, and theories (which require supporting citations) in your initial response along with at least three scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles. Use APA style guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) faces significant health disparities that impact public health outcomes considerably. Among these, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) emerges as a critical challenge, with rates increasing sharply over recent decades. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Saudi Arabia has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates globally, with current estimates suggesting that approximately 18.3% of adults aged 20–79 are living with diabetes (WHO, 2020). Such alarming statistics highlight how widespread and severe this health disparity is within the country. This essay explores the vulnerability of certain populations to diabetes, the social and policy measures needed to address these disparities, and the ethical considerations involved.

One of the most vulnerable populations in Saudi Arabia regarding diabetes comprises the expatriate labor force and low-income Saudi nationals residing in rural areas. These groups often have limited access to health care services, preventive education, and nutritious food options. For instance, expatriates, many of whom come from countries with lower diabetes prevalence, face barriers such as language, financial constraints, and lack of health insurance. Additionally, rural populations tend to have less access to healthcare facilities and health promotion programs compared to urban residents (Alzhrani et al., 2019). These disparities are compounded by lifestyle factors, including sedentary behavior, unhealthy diets rich in processed foods, and limited physical activity, all of which are prevalent in Saudi society due to rapid urbanization and modernization (Al-Hazzaa, 2018).

The health disparity of diabetes is made worse for these populations due to several intertwined factors. Socioeconomic status significantly influences health outcomes; individuals with lower income levels often cannot afford regular medical checkups, medications, or healthy foods. Cultural factors also play a role; for example, dietary habits emphasizing high-calorie traditional foods and sedentary lifestyles contribute to increased risk. Furthermore, awareness and education levels influence health behaviors—those with limited health literacy may not recognize early symptoms or understand the importance of preventive measures, leading to delayed diagnosis and management (Alabdulkarim et al., 2022). These challenges highlight that addressing the disparity requires targeted interventions that consider socioeconomic, cultural, and systemic barriers.

To mitigate these disparities, several positive social changes are necessary. Firstly, enhancing health education through culturally tailored awareness campaigns can improve knowledge about diabetes prevention and management. Promoting physical activity through community programs and urban planning—such as creating more parks and walkable neighborhoods—can encourage healthier lifestyles. Secondly, improving access to healthcare services in rural and underserved areas through mobile clinics and telemedicine initiatives can reduce disparities in health service delivery. Thirdly, addressing socioeconomic barriers by subsidizing medications and ensuring health insurance coverage for vulnerable populations can facilitate better disease management and prevention outcomes (Alam et al., 2021).

At the policy level, the Saudi National Transformation Program 2020 emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention as central objectives, aiming to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes. Implementing targeted policies such as mandatory health screenings for high-risk populations, subsidies for healthy foods, and community-based health education programs can protect vulnerable groups. For example, expanding telehealth services aligns with ethical principles of justice and beneficence, ensuring equitable access regardless of geographic or socioeconomic status (Yousefi et al., 2020). Such policies not only promote health equity but also respect individual rights to access quality healthcare while fostering social responsibility and community engagement.

From an ethical perspective, policymakers have moral obligations rooted in principles of justice, beneficence, and autonomy. Justice demands equitable distribution of healthcare resources and access, especially for marginalized populations. Beneficence requires proactive measures to prevent disease and promote well-being, while respecting autonomy involves providing individuals with the necessary information and support to make informed health choices. Recognizing these principles is crucial when designing policies to address health disparities, as they emphasize the need for fairness, respect, and proactive health promotion strategies (Benach et al., 2019).

In conclusion, diabetes represents a significant health disparity in Saudi Arabia, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as expatriates and rural residents. Tackling this issue requires comprehensive social and policy interventions informed by ethical principles that prioritize health equity. Initiatives aimed at health education, improved healthcare access, and socioeconomic support are vital to reducing disparities and promoting a healthier, more equitable society in Saudi Arabia. Continued research and policy innovation are essential for addressing the complex social determinants influencing health outcomes in this context.

References

• Alabdulkarim, A., Almutairi, K., Alduras, R., & Alhazzan, A. (2022). Health literacy and its impact on diabetes management in Saudi Arabia. International Journal of Health Education, 8(2), 134–143.
• Al-Hazzaa, H. M. (2018). Physical activity and obesity in Saudi Arabia: An overview. Saudi Medical Journal, 39(4), 317-322.
• Alam, F., Alqahtani, S., & Alswairki, M. (2021). Socioeconomic factors influencing diabetes management in rural Saudi Arabia. BMC Public Health, 21, 1124.
• Alzhrani, D., Alqahtani, N., & Shaikh, T. (2019). Healthcare access disparities among expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Journal of Public Health Policy, 40(3), 285-295.
• Benach, J., Muntaner, C., & Chung, H. (2019). Social determinants of health: The ethical imperatives for health equity. Bioethics, 33(8), 845–850.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Diabetes country profile: Saudi Arabia.
• Yousefi, M., Moradi, Y., & Kianmehr, M. (2020). Telehealth and ethical considerations in Saudi Arabia's healthcare system. Healthcare Ethics Committee Journal, 8(1), 43–52.