1) What are some social determinants that may contribute to health disparities among ethnic minorities in the United States?
2)Provide an example where social inequality has affected health. If you were to use a theoretical approach, how would you explain it?
3)Find a website on one of the examples provided in the text regarding a high-risk population, that speaks to one of the behavioral theories we have learned. Is this site credible? Discuss the theory the author(s) applied and ways to accommodate the high-risk behavior. Make sure you include a link to the website you found.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
This response will address three questions related to social determinants of health, social inequality’s effect on health and a website discussing high-risk behavior. These are important topics for medical students to understand as they begin their careers and treat patients.
1) Some social determinants that may contribute to health disparities among ethnic minorities in the United States include poverty, lack of access to healthcare, discrimination, racism, and poor education levels. For example, poverty can limit access to healthy food options and safe housing, and discrimination can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can negatively impact overall health. Healthcare access is also an important determinant, as individuals from ethnic minorities may face difficulties in accessing quality healthcare due to language barriers, financial barriers, or absence of necessary services in their communities.
2) Social inequality has affected health in various ways, from the likelihood of experiencing health disparities to the overall lifespan of individuals. One example is the link between socioeconomic status and cardiovascular health. Lower-income individuals are more likely to smoke, engage in unhealthy diets, and experience stress related to job insecurity or financial difficulties. Such factors can increase the risk of developing chronic health conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Using a theoretical approach, social determinants frameworks like the structural violence theory or the social determinants of health framework can consider the impact of individual and community factors on health behaviors and outcomes. These perspectives demonstrate how social and economic conditions shape health and well-being throughout someone’s life.
3) One example of a website that addresses high-risk behavior is the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) webpage on behavior change theories and strategies. The site applies theories like the Health Belief Model and the Transtheoretical Model to explain substance abuse and addiction behavior and treatment. The site is credible as NIDA is a federally funded research institute focused on understanding drug abuse and addiction. One way to accommodate high-risk behavior is to focus on effective communication strategies for treatment or intervention that tailor the approach to the patient’s readiness level and emotional needs. This means starting with realistic, achievable goals and supporting patients’ autonomy and decision-making throughout the change process. Here is the link to the website:
