HCM425 DB4
2
Hypertension of African Americans in Georgia
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Risk Factors for Hypertension in African American Communities
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the diseases of concern in African American communities in Georgia. Risk factors contributing to the prevalence of this condition are genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, socioeconomic factors, and chronic stress (Ko et al., 2021). Abnormalities in the gene known as ARMC5 may be linked to high blood pressure in blacks. Lifestyle choices such as poor diet and lack of physical activity increase the risk of developing high blood pressure. Many people in the communities consume diets high in sodium and low in fruits and vegetables, thus increasing hypertension. Income status is normally negatively associated with inadequate health care facilities and healthy diets and would thus naturally cause a higher disease rate among lower-income earning individuals. Stress caused by socio-economic factors and racism also plays a role in raising blood pressure rates.
Social Determinants of Health in African American Communities
Social determinants of health are the circumstances into which one is born, grows up, lives, works, and ages that impact their disease or illness outcomes. In African American communities across Georgia, these social determinants affect their health status. Major social determinants include socioeconomic status, which influences the quality of healthcare, education, and healthy environments in which to live. African Americans in Georgia struggle to afford good meals, regular doctor visits, and hypertension and other chronic disease medications (Ko et al., 2021). Access to health care centers and doctors is another key factor, and inadequate or late treatment might ensue. Environmental issues like living in dirty neighborhoods without recreation worsen this. Thus, lower education and health literacy hinder these people' health decisions and preventive therapy. Health literacy and education affect how well people can make health decisions and get preventive treatment.
Prevalent Diseases and Health Conditions in the Community
High blood pressure is a prevalent health conditions in our community with its incidence rates being higher among the Black race than other races (WHO, 2023). Other diseases related to this include diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. These health issues are interrelated. For instance, obesity results in hypertension as well as germinating diabetes. The high prevalence of these conditions is compounded by limited access to preventive care and management resources.
Difference Between Social Determinants of Health, Health Disparities, and Health Inequities
Social determinants of health are the broader conditions that influence health outcomes: economic stability, education, social and community context, health care access, and built environment. Health disparities are differences in health outcomes among different groups, usually attributable to these social determinants (Maness et al., 2020). Health inequities refer to the differences in health outcomes viewed as unfair and avoidable from these disparities. Inequities result from system-wide issues and inequities in resources and opportunities.
Observed Health Disparities and Inequities in the Community
My community still witnesses health disparities and inequities among African American communities. The inequalities include hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, which are more prevalent in this demographic than in any other population. Disparities exist in access and quality of healthcare services as African Americans usually have poor access to prompt, effective treatment. Reduced access to healthy diet and preventative treatment due to economic and educational inequalities worsens these health outcomes. Moreover, systemic racial discrimination and historical injustices have contributed to ongoing health inequities in terms of the quality and availability of care available to such communities.
Recommendations for Addressing Health Disparities and Inequities
Increased funding for community health programs focusing on preventing and treating chronic conditions, such as hypertension, can help address the condition earlier. The programs should include education regarding maintaining healthy lifestyle practices and receiving the necessary, affordable, and nutritious food (Rahimi & Nkombua, 2022). Health services can be increased through preventive services as well as routine screening. The programs can be achieved by supporting community health centers and facilitating the development of mobile clinics in less accessible parts. Additionally, implementing policies that address the social determinants of health, such as improving economic opportunities and educational attainment, can have a significant impact. Investing in programs that combat racial discrimination and promote health equity will also be essential in addressing the root causes of health disparities.
References
Ko, Y.-A., Shen, J., Kim, J. H., Topel, M., Mujahid, M., Taylor, H., Quyyumi, A., Sims, M., Vaccarino, V., Baltrus, P., & Lewis, T. (2021). Identifying neighborhood and individual resilience profiles for cardiovascular health: a cross-sectional study of blacks in the Atlanta metropolitan area. BMJ Open, 11(7), e041435. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041435
Maness, S. B., Merrell, L., Thompson, E. L., Griner, S. B., Kline, N., & Wheldon, C. (2020). Social determinants of health and health disparities: COVID-19 exposures and mortality among African American people in the United States. Public Health Reports, 136(1), 18–22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033354920969169
Rahimi, A., & Nkombua, L. (2022). Hypertensive patients’ knowledge and practices on lifestyle modification in Extension 6, Middelburg. South African Family Practice, 64(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/safp.v64i1.5528
WHO. (2023). Hypertension Georgia 2023 country profile. Www.who.int. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/hypertension-geo-2023-country-profile