Sociodemographic Groups at Risk: Race/Ethnicity

Abstract

Typically, when the term “health disparity” is used, disparities in health related to or associated with race and/or ethnicity are what is meant. Disparities related to race and ethnicity are indeed the topic of this discussion, but there are many other types of health disparities that are often tightly linked to race/ethnic disparities, such as those related to sex, socioeconomic status, and region (such as the Stroke Belt), that should not be overlooked. Why do health disparities in race/ethnic minority groups occur? There are many potential explanations, including genetic factors and common environmental exposures. There are also likely many potential important cultural differences in perceptions of health and the healthcare system that shape the behavior of inhabitants of their culture, including but not limited to social support structure, mistrust/varying expectations of the medical system, dietary differences, physical activity norms, medical compliance, fear and/or denial, and fatalism. There are many “access to care” issues for race/ethnic minorities that could potentially interfere with health, such as poverty, health literacy and numeracy, language barriers, access to transportation, and child care. Finally, the intrinsic structure of the healthcare system lends itself to health disparities. Previously, it has been shown that the majority of care for race/ethnic minorities is provided by very few providers, who are then overwhelmed and unable to provide the highest quality of care.1 Also, medical professional stereotyping or discrimination and cultural biases are likely prevalent in some areas. Overall, the Institute of Medicine report regarding racial disparity in 2003 showed that even when access to care issues were controlled for, the overall quality of care was poorer for race/ethnic minorities.2 A thorough review of all racial disparities in stroke is not possible within the focus of this short review. Therefore, this review will focus mostly on racial disparities regarding …