final research paper

Outline

Student name Culture and Health COH 310 November 11, 2020

Outline

African American Culture and Health

I. Introduction to the U.S ethnic group

a. African Americans are individuals born in the U.S whose ancestors mainly came from Sub-Saharan Africa. They are mostly of African ancestry; however, some have non-black ancestors as well.

b. African Americans are one of the largest United States ethnic groups.

c. Most African Americans are the descendants of Africans that were captured and forced into slavery during African raids. They were brought to the U.S during the Atlantic slave trade.

d. Around 10 to 12 million enslaved Africans were transported to the U.S between the 16th and 19th centuries.

e. In 2019, over 41 million African Americans lived in the U.S.

II. Identify health disparities by comparing descriptive epidemiology of group to the majority group or another group.

a. The highest mortality rate for all types of cancers combined as compared to other ethnic groups.

b. Leading causes of death among the groups are cancer, heart disease, and accidents.

c. Around 10% are uninsured, compared with 5.9% of non-Hispanic whites.

d. Over 80% of African Americans are overweight compared to 64% non-Hispanic white women.

e. Children are likely to have asthma compared to non-Hispanic white children. Adults are likely to suffer from hypertension compared to non-Hispanic white adults.

f. Adults are likely to have severe psychological distress compared to non-Hispanic white adults.

III. Discuss socio-economic, language, political, religious, and other factors that contribute to the health disparities

a. Around 39% of African American children and adults live in poverty compared to only 14% poverty rate for white, non-Latino, and Asian-Americans.

b. The unemployment rate doubles compared to Caucasian Americans.

c. Neighborhood and geographic settings lead to provider ignorance and facilitate stress.

IV. Describe all common health behaviors of the group with supporting and detailed evidence

a. Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, such as physical inactivity, drinking, and smoking, contribute to obesity/overweight.

b. Lack of frequent screening contributes to the late diagnosis of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

c. Spirituality shapes the identity of African Americans. Individuals believe in prayers and the role of spirituality in health improvement.

V. Describe commonly held attitudes, beliefs, and values (health beliefs) with supporting and detailed evidence.

a. Some group members distrust the medical community, which may be a barrier to access to health services.

b. The majority believe in spirituality, i.e., Christianity. Older African Americans are likely to be associated with historical black protestant churches.

c. Less likely to receive mental health services compared to non-Hispanic whites

d. Racism viewed as a systematic and cultural phenomenon that, through discrimination and prejudice, is a cause of health disparities

VI. Provide recommendations for improving culturally and linguistically appropriate services for the selected group with supporting evidence and detailed support.

a. Avoid stereotyping

b. Recognize attitude towards health, cultural differences of health values, family structure and life, health habits, insurance coverage, and ethnic and spiritual practices.

c. Translate health knowledge into the language and culture of African Americans. Improve access to health services.

References

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Baruth, M., Becofsky, K., Wilcox, S., & Goodrich, K. (2014). Health characteristics and health behaviors of African American adults according to self-rated health status. Ethnicity & disease, 24(1), 97.

Carratala, S. & Maxwell. C (2020). Center for American Progress. Health Disparities by Race and Ethnicity. Retrieved from: https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/race/reports/2020/05/07/484742/health-disparities-race-ethnicity/#:~:text=In%202017%2C%2010.6%20percent%20of,health%20insurance%20coverage%20in%202017 .

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