Disparities in Healthcare Among the African American Community

By: Kevin Grant Johnson

Black or African American refers to people having origins in any of the black racial groups of Africa, including those of Caribbean identity.

Disparities in health and health care have been around for more than two centuries. Evidence suggests that health disparities in the Black-American community continue to be problematic, with little progress made to eliminate them over time. Ethnic and racial disparities exist for multiple and complex reasons; and we will explore some of these in this power-point.(Office of Minority Health, 2009)

Black American’s & Religion

For many Black

Americans,

religion is an

essential and

integral part of

life. God is

viewed as the

source of both

good health and

serious

illness. (Di

Leonardi, 2011)

Many believe that natural illnesses also result from divine punishment and serve as an instrument of social control. Unnatural illnesses are the result of witchcraft and reflect conflict in the social network.

It is believed that physicians do not understand and cannot effectively treat such illnesses, but a variety of traditional healers offer help to the victims. Physicians must elicit such beliefs if they are to interact effectively and sensitively with black patients.

A moderate life-style is regarded as the basis for good health with special emphasis on protecting one's body from cold, keeping it clean inside and out and maintaining a proper diet. Illnesses and other life events are classified as “natural” or “unnatural.”

Social

Customs

Consider

the next 2

slides and

their

scenario's:

Scenario 1:A Black female was the primary nurse for two black teenagers. When one got out of line, she would simply say, "Boy, keep your mouth shut and go somewhere and sit down." They usually complied.One day, it was time for one of them to go to physical therapy, but he was giving the Anglo nurse a hard time. Finally she tried the primary nurses' tactic and said "Come on boy, I'm not kidding with you. You have to go to therapy." The young man flew into a rage and started swearing at the nurse.The Anglo nurse was confused, he had never responded that way to his primary nurse. She had not considered that the term "boy" is inoffensive when used by one Black person speaking to another but is highly insulting when used by Caucasians because of its origins among slave owners. (Snow, 2008)

Scenario 2:Mary Smith, an elderly Black woman, was in the recovery room

after surgery. To assess her condition, the nurse, spoke her name, "Mary." The patient slowly opened her eyes and turned her head but made no further signs of acknowledgment. The nurse became concerned because most patients responded readily and clearly at this point. She called the woman Mrs. Smith. She then became alert, pleasant, and cooperative. The patient had perceived the use of her first name as a lack of respect and a form of racism.Nurses should refer to all adult patients as Mr., Miss, Ms., or Mrs., unless otherwise instructed. To use a first name for anyone other than a close friend, is both inappropriate and discourteous in most cultures. (Snow, 2008)

Studies found that African Americans are from 1.4 to 2.2 times more likely to have diabetes than white persons.

African Americans have much higher rates of hypertension than whites.

Black patients with diabetes do worse than white patients —even when they're getting treatment from the same doctor.

Living in substandard housing or in low-income neighborhoods results in higher rates of overweight and obesity due to lack of healthy food options and opportunities for safe physical activity. Promoting the type 2 diabetes epidemic.

23% of African Americans are uninsured. Uninsured adults with diabetes are less likely to receive the proper standard of care, including regular glucose monitoring and preventive check-ups for their eyes and feet. This can lead to a greater risk of hospitalization and an increased risk of chronic disease and disability.12

Studies have shown that African American patients with

diabetes were as likely or more likely to have recommended

process of care measures performed. In spite of this,

intermediate diabetes outcomes were still poorer in the same

African American population. (Baldwin, 2008)

Kaji, T. P. (2012). Diabetes Deaths Health Disparity for African Americans. Retrieved from

htpp://cchealth.org.