Describe the ethnic minority group selected. Describe the current health status of this group. How do race and ethnicity influence health for this group?
Select an ethnic minority group that is represented in the United States (American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian American, Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander). Using health information available from Healthy People, the CDC, and other relevant government websites, analyze the health status for this group.
In a paper of 1000-1250 words, compare and contrast the health status of your selected minority group to the national average. Include the following:
- Describe the ethnic minority group selected. Describe the current health status of this group. How do race and ethnicity influence health for this group?
- What are the health disparities that exist for this group? What are the nutritional challenges for this group?
- Discuss the barriers to health for this group resulting from culture, socioeconomics, education, and sociopolitical factors.
- What health promotion activities are often practiced by this group?
- Describe at least one approach using the three levels of health promotion prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) that is likely to be the most effective in a care plan given the unique needs of the minority group you have selected. Provide an explanation of why it might be the most effective choice.
- What cultural beliefs or practices must be considered when creating a care plan? What cultural theory or model would be best to support culturally competent health promotion for this population? Why?
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Expert Answer and Explanation
Health Disparity in Arizona’s American Indian Population
The unequal nature of the United States (U.S.) as a country is noticeable in the country’s social problems including the health gap, and this gap takes on different forms. The rates of mortality incidences, for instance, differ across the country’s minority and non-minority populations. The former tends to experience higher rates compared to the latter, and one can attribute this to a wide spectrum of factors including the low social and economic empowerment opportunities in minority communities.
However, the degree of the health disparity for a state may differ from that of the entire country, and one can notice this when comparing Arizona’s health gap rates to the country’s rates (Isaac et al., 2018). It is important to examine the health of American Indian Population in Arizona in terms of disparities, the barriers, promotion activities, and cultural considerations.
Profile of the Minority Group
Each U.S. state is diverse, and this is a case with Arizona which has white as well as minority populations including the Native Americans. Compared to other minorities including Hispanics, however, the American Indians are fewer. A high population of this minority population is found in Arizona, California and Oklahoma. These states host 31% of the country’s American Indian population. Based on the statistical data, this group consists of 1.7% of the U.S. population. 1.6 million Teenage Americans who are part of this group are below the adult age.
Arizona recognize this group as part of the state’s tribes. This group speak different native languages ranging from the Ponca to Sioux. This together with the education-based barriers can be impediments to access to the care for this group. Currently, the state has a number of American Indian tribes (Liddell et al., 2018). Examples include the Navajo, Hopi and Apache. Most of these tribes engage in spiritual and cultural activities which sometimes may contradict practices of the modern medicine.
The Health Gap for the Minority
The American Indians face health concerns which other minority groups struggle with. This group is socially and economically disadvantaged. The mortality rates for this population exceeds that of the U.S. by approximately 40%. One can attribute this to the high rates of mortality for this group to the prevalence of the cases of chronic diseases in this group. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) prepares and publishes reports on health, and according to this agency, the life expectancy for this group is below the national level (Adakai et al., 2018).
Equally, the quality of life for this group in Arizona is low compared to the national average. Individuals who are part of this group in the state of Arizona are likely to adopt poor nutritional health behaviors compared to the national population. For example, the rates of consumption of the sweetened beverages for this group reached 33%. Averagely, 28% of Americans use sweetened products.
Health Barriers for the Minority
People who identify as American Indians face various health obstacles which take on different forms. From the cultural perspective, the American Indians have an intrinsic view concerning the relationship between spirituality and health. For example, they would attach certain cultural meanings to the mental health issues, and this may cause a scenario where they do not seek medical care but rather resort to spiritual intervention. This population is socially and economically disadvantaged, and there are high rates of unemployment among members of this group.
Equally, the group struggles with high rates of illiteracy (Wille et al., 2017). Due to these social and economic barriers, Native Americans residing in Arizona are struggling with access to care, and because of lack of education, some may not get to learn about the appropriate health behaviors. Equally, there is low political representation for this group, and this poses the problem of lack of advocacy for this group.
Health Promotion Activities
Native Americans’ health practices intertwine with their spiritual and cultural practices, and their perceptions concerning health. This group adopts traditional health practices which involve the use of the alternative medicine. It common to see members of this race using herbs for the purpose of treating illnesses, and they attack spiritual values to the medicines. In certain cases, they may use manipulative therapy techniques to manage illnesses.
When treating an illness, they may hold ceremonies as well as pray. This is a way of using physical therapy while at the same time intervening spirituality to help promote the recovery of a person who is ill. When engaging in these activities, this group’s focus is to live in harmony with the environment, and connect to the earth (Fleischhacker et al., 2016). This not only helps improve the health of members of this group but it helps the group to attain spiritual wellbeing.
Primary Health Promotion
When working with American Indians, it is imperative that a provider focus on providing primary care to any patient from this group. For a provider, providing education can help manage the health needs of a patient, and when educating the patient, it is important to incorporate their beliefs and cultural values into this process. When educating the patient to adopt healthy practices, for example, a clinician may propose that the patient eat healthy traditional foods.
They should also integrate aspects of the patient’s spirituality into the education program. Using this intervention is important because it sensitizes the group on health issues, and help them avoid behaviors which may raise their risks of developing illnesses. It also empowers them to manage their own health while sticking to their cultural practices.
Cultural Beliefs and Practices
American Indians attach their health practices to their spirituality, and when planning for the care for a patient from this community, it is important to incorporate the cultural practices for this community into health plan. When preparing the plan of intervention, for example, a clinician should consider the patient’s spiritual practices.
This is because this group has a strong spiritual belief, and attach spiritual significance to health. It is equally critical to consider what this group believes about certain rituals, and incorporate the same in the plan. To effectively and holistically manage the health needs of a patient from this community, a provider can rely on the Culture Care theory to guide their decisions (Hidayat & Uliyah, 2019).
Conclusion
In conclusion, some Americans experience more barriers when making efforts to access care, compared to other Americans, and one can notice this difference when comparing access across racial groups. Arizona is one of the states where this problem occurs, and it part of the U.S.’s states with the most number of the American Indian communities.
This group struggles with health problems because of the socioeconomic disadvantages it experiences. This also occurs because of the cultural activities which sometimes may conflict the views of the modern medicine. Thus, there is need to incorporate the cultural, and spiritual practices of this group into care when caring for people who belong to the American Indian community.
References
Adakai, M., Sandoval-Rosario, M., Xu, F., Aseret-Manygoats, T., Allison, M., Greenland, K.J., & Barbour, K.E. (2018). HEALTH Disapiries Among Indians/ Alaskan Natives-Arizona, 2017. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6747a4.htm.
Fleischhacker, S., Roberts, E., Camplain, R., Evenson, K. R., & Gittelsohn, J. (2016). Promoting Physical Activity Among Native American Youth: a Systematic Review of the Methodology and Current Evidence of Physical Activity Interventions and Community-wide Initiatives. Journal of racial and ethnic health disparities, 3(4), 608–624.Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-015-0180-1.
Hidayat, A., & Uliyah, M. (2019). The Effect of the Nursing Care Model Based on Culture to Improve the Care of Malnourished Madurese Children in Indonesia. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 7(7), 1220–1225.Doi: https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2019.260.
Isaac, G., Finn, S., Joe, J. R., Hoover, E., Gone, J. P., Lefthand-Begay, C., & Hill, S. (2018). Native American Perspectives on Health and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Environmental health perspectives, 126(12). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1944.
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Why Do Racial and Ethnic Minorities Experience Poorer Health Status and Outcomes?
Health disparities among ethnic minorities represent one of the most persistent and complex challenges facing modern healthcare systems. Despite significant advances in medical technology and treatment options, ethnic minorities continue to experience disproportionately poor health outcomes compared to their white counterparts. Understanding the multifaceted reasons behind these disparities is crucial for developing effective interventions and creating a more equitable healthcare landscape.
The Scope of Health Disparities Among Ethnic Minorities
Ethnic minorities in the United States face substantial health challenges across virtually every major health indicator. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans have a life expectancy that is approximately 3.6 years shorter than that of white Americans. Similarly, Hispanic Americans face higher rates of diabetes, while Native Americans experience disproportionate levels of heart disease and substance abuse disorders.
The COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted these existing disparities. Ethnic minorities experienced hospitalization rates that were 2-3 times higher than white populations, with death rates following similar patterns. These statistics underscore the urgent need to address the underlying factors contributing to poor health outcomes in these communities.
Social Determinants of Health: The Foundation of Disparities
Economic Factors
Socioeconomic status serves as perhaps the most significant predictor of health outcomes among ethnic minorities. Lower-income communities, which disproportionately include ethnic minorities, face multiple barriers to maintaining good health. Limited financial resources restrict access to nutritious foods, safe housing, and preventive healthcare services.
The median household income for white families in 2023 was approximately $77,000, compared to $48,000 for Black families and $56,000 for Hispanic families. This income gap directly translates into health disparities, as financial constraints limit access to quality healthcare, healthy food options, and safe living environments.
Educational Barriers
Educational attainment strongly correlates with health outcomes, and ethnic minorities often face educational disadvantages that perpetuate health disparities. Adults with college degrees are significantly more likely to engage in preventive health behaviors, understand health information, and navigate complex healthcare systems effectively.
| Educational Level | White Adults (%) | Black Adults (%) | Hispanic Adults (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School or Less | 38.2 | 48.7 | 61.3 |
| Some College | 31.4 | 32.1 | 24.8 |
| Bachelor’s Degree+ | 30.4 | 19.2 | 13.9 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2022
Healthcare Access and Quality Issues
Geographic Barriers
Many ethnic minorities live in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. Rural communities and inner-city neighborhoods often lack adequate numbers of healthcare providers, specialists, and medical facilities. This geographic isolation forces residents to travel long distances for care or go without necessary medical attention.
Approximately 80% of federally qualified health centers serve areas with high concentrations of ethnic minorities, highlighting both the need for services in these communities and the resource limitations they face.
Insurance Coverage Gaps
Despite improvements under the Affordable Care Act, ethnic minorities continue to experience higher rates of uninsurance. In 2023, approximately 19% of Hispanic Americans and 11% of Black Americans lacked health insurance, compared to 7% of white Americans. This coverage gap creates significant barriers to accessing preventive care and managing chronic conditions.
Provider Bias and Cultural Competency
Healthcare provider bias, both conscious and unconscious, contributes to disparities in care quality and outcomes for ethnic minorities. Studies have documented differences in pain management, treatment recommendations, and diagnostic procedures based on patient race and ethnicity. Additionally, language barriers and cultural misunderstandings can impede effective communication between providers and patients from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Chronic Disease Burden in Ethnic Minorities
Ethnic minorities experience disproportionately high rates of chronic diseases that significantly impact quality of life and longevity. These conditions often develop earlier in life and progress more rapidly than in white populations.
Diabetes Prevalence by Race/Ethnicity
| Race/Ethnicity | Diabetes Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|
| American Indian/Alaska Native | 14.7 |
| Non-Hispanic Black | 11.7 |
| Hispanic | 12.5 |
| Non-Hispanic Asian | 9.2 |
| Non-Hispanic White | 7.5 |
Source: CDC National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2023
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among ethnic minorities, with particularly high rates in African American and Native American communities. High blood pressure affects nearly 58% of Black adults compared to 45% of white adults, contributing to increased rates of stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Environmental Justice Issues
Ethnic minorities are more likely to live in areas with environmental hazards, including air pollution, contaminated water sources, and proximity to industrial facilities. These environmental factors contribute to higher rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, and certain cancers in minority communities.
Food Access and Nutrition
Food deserts—areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food—disproportionately affect ethnic minority communities. Approximately 23.5 million Americans live in food deserts, with minority communities being significantly overrepresented. This limited access to healthy food options contributes to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress from discrimination, economic hardship, and social marginalization takes a significant toll on the health of ethnic minorities. The concept of “weathering”—the premature aging and health deterioration resulting from chronic stress—helps explain why ethnic minorities experience earlier onset of age-related diseases.
Addressing Health Disparities: Pathways Forward
Policy Interventions
Comprehensive policy approaches are essential for addressing the root causes of health disparities among ethnic minorities. These include expanding Medicaid coverage, increasing funding for community health centers, and implementing programs that address social determinants of health.
Community-Based Solutions
Successful interventions often emerge from within affected communities. Community health workers, culturally tailored health education programs, and partnerships with faith-based organizations have shown promise in improving health outcomes for ethnic minorities.
Healthcare System Reforms
Healthcare systems must prioritize cultural competency training, diversify their workforce, and implement quality measures that specifically track and address disparities in care. Technology solutions, including telemedicine and mobile health applications, can help bridge geographic and access barriers.
Conclusion
The persistent health disparities experienced by ethnic minorities result from a complex interplay of social, economic, environmental, and healthcare system factors. Addressing these disparities requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, and economic development. While progress has been made in some areas, significant work remains to achieve health equity for all populations.
The path forward demands sustained commitment from policymakers, healthcare providers, community leaders, and society as a whole. Only through comprehensive, culturally responsive approaches that address both individual and systemic factors can we hope to eliminate the health disparities that continue to affect ethnic minorities disproportionately. The health of our most vulnerable populations serves as a measure of our society’s commitment to justice and equality, making this work not just a healthcare imperative but a moral one.
