Prevalence Of Diabetes In Columbus, Georgia Jasmine Fields C

Prevalence of Diabetes in Columbus Georgia Jasmine Fields Columbia Southern University Health Behavior PUH 5304 Dr. Williams October 11, 2022

At first glance, Columbus, Georgia, appears to be one of the most beautiful cities in America, celebrated for its parks, trails, the scenic Chattahoochee River, and historical sites like the Columbus Museum. The city is characterized by a diverse population, with a majority of African Americans followed closely by Caucasians, and other racial groups contributing to the community’s diversity. Despite the city’s aesthetic appeal and rich history, there exists a concerning health statistic: a rising prevalence of diabetes among residents, particularly within specific neighborhoods such as Wynnton.

Research indicates that diabetes affects an alarming portion of the population in Wynnton, with approximately 24.6% of its residents diagnosed, placing Wynnton at the 99th percentile nationally for diabetes prevalence (Huang et al., 2022). Notably, neighboring communities report significantly lower prevalence rates, around 8%, illustrating stark disparities within small geographical areas. This suggests that certain socio-economic and demographic factors greatly influence the prevalence of diabetes in Columbus.

Understanding the Target Population

To effectively address the diabetes epidemic in Columbus, it is imperative to understand its target population, which can be exemplified by the community of Wynnton. Using Wynnton’s demographic profile as a representative sample allows for an in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to the high prevalence of diabetes. As of 2022, Columbus’s population comprises approximately 46.46% African Americans, 42.47% Caucasians, and several other racial groups (Huang et al., 2022). The racial composition within Wynnton is markedly different, with approximately 64.1% African Americans and only 27.4% White residents, underscoring racial disparities associated with health outcomes.

Furthermore, Wynnton’s median household income is significantly below the state average, at $39,628 compared to Georgia’s median of $61,980 (City Data, 2022). Poverty is a critical component influencing health, as low income correlates with limited access to healthy foods, healthcare services, and health education. The demographic profile reveals that the population most affected by diabetes is predominantly African American, with a younger age distribution, mainly between 15 and 50 years old, and a relatively high proportion of residents with less than a high school education (City Data, 2022).

Environmental and Socioeconomic Factors in Diabetes Prevalence

Multiple socioeconomic determinants influence the prevalence of diabetes within Wynnton and broader Columbus. Educational attainment is a significant factor; residents with lower levels of education tend to have less awareness about diabetes prevention and management (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). Data shows that 28% of Wynnton residents have not completed high school, which is alarmingly higher than state averages, limiting health literacy and increasing vulnerability to lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes.

Economic status intertwines with education, impacting access to healthier food options. Lower-income families often depend on inexpensive, calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods, elevating their risk for type 2 diabetes (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020). Age also plays a role; as individuals grow older, metabolic processes slow, increasing susceptibility to abnormal glucose regulation if combined with poor diet and sedentary lifestyles. These factors collectively amplify the risk among economically disadvantaged, less educated, and racially marginalized populations.

Health Disparities and Cultural Dimensions

The disproportionate burden of diabetes among African Americans is well-documented. Genetic predispositions, coupled with social determinants like poverty and limited healthcare access, exacerbate health disparities (Huang et al., 2022). Cultural factors, including dietary preferences and perceptions about health, influence disease outcomes. For example, traditional diets high in fats and sugars may persist due to cultural familiarity and economic constraints, compounding risk factors for diabetes. Addressing these issues requires culturally sensitive interventions tailored to the community’s unique needs.

Implications for Public Health Interventions

Understanding the target population’s demographic, socioeconomic, and cultural characteristics is crucial for designing effective public health strategies. Interventions should focus on increasing health literacy, improving access to affordable healthy foods, and providing culturally relevant education about diabetes prevention and management. Community-based programs, including mobile clinics and culturally tailored health promotion campaigns, can effectively reach vulnerable populations like Wynnton residents.

Additionally, policy efforts should aim to address underlying social disparities by improving educational opportunities, economic development, and healthcare access in underserved neighborhoods. Evidence suggests that multifaceted strategies combining individual behavior change with systemic improvements yield the most sustainable health outcomes (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020).

Conclusion

The high prevalence of diabetes in Columbus, Georgia, particularly within Wynnton, underscores the importance of targeting social determinants of health to combat this epidemic. The demographic profile suggests that African American residents, with lower income and educational attainment, are most at risk. Addressing health disparities requires culturally sensitive, community-engaged, and socioeconomically conscious approaches that can effectively reduce the burden of diabetes and promote health equity in Columbus.

References

• City Data. (2022, January 1). Wynnton neighborhood in Columbus, Georgia (GA), 31906 subdivision profile - real estate, apartments, condos, homes, community, population, jobs, income, streets. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://www.city-data.com/neighborhood/Wynnton-Columbus-GA.html
• Data Commons. (2022). Columbus - Place Explorer - Data Commons. Retrieved October 12, 2022, from https://datacommons.org/place/geoId/1303600
• Galicia-Garcia, U., Benito-Vicente, A., Jebari, S., Larrea-Sebal, A., Siddiqi, H., Uribe, K. B., & Martàn, C. (2020). Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(17), 6275. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21176275
• Huang, J., Yeung, A. M., Nguyen, K. T., Xu, N. Y., Preiser, J. C., Rushakoff, R. J., & Klonoff, D. C. (2022). Hospital Diabetes Meeting 2022. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 16(5). https://doi.org/10.1177/19322968221104729
• Additional scholarly sources should be used to reach the required word count and support the analysis, covering topics like social determinants of health, health disparities, diabetes epidemiology, and intervention strategies.