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Along with the socioeconomic factor of health disparities, race is another key factor. The United States historically had large disparities in health and access to adequate healthcare between races, and current evidence supports the notion that these racially centered disparities continue to exist and are a significant social health issue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has defined health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." [1] Identified by the 2012 World Development Report as one of two key human capital endowments, health can influence an individual's ability to reach his or her full potential in society. [2]
Health disparities refer to gaps in the quality of health and health care across racial and ethnic groups. [13] The US Health Resources and Services Administration defines health disparities as "population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care". [14]
Work is a defined social determinant of health, meaning that the conditions at work are a key aspect in determining the health of an individual. [40] This was demonstrated notably during the COVID-19 pandemic when members of the essential workforce were exposed to a much higher risk of the disease by the necessity of being at work. [41]
Some scholars have argued for a genetic understanding of racial health disparities in the United States, suggesting that certain genes predispose individuals to specific diseases. [213] However, the U.S. Census Bureau's recognition of race as a social and not biological category necessitates a social understanding of the causes of health ...
These health disparities are root issues to the health equity crisis present not just in the United States, but even around the world. For example, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, [ 2 ] followed closely by cancer , with the fifth most deadly being diabetes .
Racial disparities in eviction rates correspond to negative health outcomes, including depression. [47] Food security—meaning consistent availability and affordability of food that promotes well-being and prevents disease—is another important social determinant of health linked to economics. [48]
Kelley et al. define access to healthcare as “the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes”. [16] Health disparities, which are largely caused by unequal access to healthcare, can be defined as “a difference in which disadvantaged social groups such as the poor, racial/ethnic minorities, women and other ...