Health Disparities

Health disparity refers to the differences in health outcomes as evident in different segments of a population. Health disparities persist in the 21st century because of different factors. Race, for instance, is a factor predominant when addressing the issues of health disparities. Racial and ethnic minorities tend to access and receive low-quality health services compared to nonminorities. Culture also influences health behavior and health outcomes among individuals of a particular community. Culture represents the integrated patterns of human behavior including beliefs, values, and religion. The beliefs and practices that a community upholds affects their behavior, influence and adoption of healthcare services. Educational inequalities also enhance health disparities in the society. Individuals with minimal education are likely to be less informed on matters related to health and well-being (Egede, 2006). Additionally, individuals with minimal education are likely to trivialize serious health issues such as nutrition, vaccinations, and substance abuse.

The trivialization of critical health matters results in poor health. In contrast, educated persons lead healthy and long lives as they understand the importance of health practices such as proper nutrition, vaccination, and physical activities. Additionally, education relates to financial stability; a factor that causes health disparities in the society. A well-educated individual is likely to earn a decent income thus can afford necessities such as a balanced diet and preventive and curative healthcare services. In contrast, an individual without an education may not secure a job thus economically unstable. An individual with financial instability cannot afford healthcare services as well as a proper diet thus increased risk of diseases (Health People, 2015).The healthcare industry needs to work with minority populations so as to minimize health disparities. Healthcare workers must work with the local government to reach out to disadvantaged people on the basis of race, economic status and culture and ensure accessibility of healthcare services.

References

Egede, L. (2006). Race, ethnicity, culture and disparities in health care. Journal of general medicine. Vol. 21(6):667-669

Health People (2015). Disparities. 

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