Determinants of Health Disparities PDF

Determinants of Health Disparities Robin Daller, DNP, ACNP-BC Adjunct Faculty Nursing Department Thiel College What are Health Disparities? Definition Scope Preventable differences in Affect various demographics health outc...

Determinants of Health Disparities Robin Daller, DNP, ACNP-BC Adjunct Faculty Nursing Department Thiel College What are Health Disparities? Definition Scope Preventable differences in Affect various demographics health outcomes between based on race, ethnicity, population groups. gender, age, and socioeconomic status. Impact Result in unequal quality of life, life expectancy, and disease burden. Understanding Social Determinants of Health Individual Behaviors 1 Diet, exercise, substance use Social and Community Context 2 Support systems, discrimination Education and Employment 3 Opportunities, income, job security Neighborhood and Environment 4 Housing, safety, pollution Healthcare System 5 Access, quality, cost Economic Factors and Their Impact Income Inequality Job Insecurity Financial Strain Higher rates of chronic diseases and Stress-related health problems and Difficulty affording nutritious food, mental health issues in low-income delayed medical care due to cost safe housing, and preventive populations. concerns. healthcare services. Cultural Influences on Health Behaviors Dietary Habits Healthcare Beliefs Traditional foods and eating Cultural attitudes affect treatment patterns impact nutrition and adherence and seeking medical obesity rates. care. Family Dynamics Influence health decisions, caregiving practices, and stress levels. Systemic Barriers to Healthcare Access Language Barriers Miscommunication leads to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. Transportation Issues Difficulty reaching medical facilities, especially in rural areas. Insurance Gaps Lack of coverage results in delayed or avoided care. Provider Shortages Long wait times and limited options in underserved communities. The Role of Education and Health Literacy Educational Attainment Health Information Access Higher education levels Education improves ability to correlate with better health find and understand health outcomes and longevity. resources. Decision-Making Skills Advocacy Abilities Better-educated individuals Education empowers people make more informed health to navigate complex choices. healthcare systems effectively. Neighborhood and Environmental Factors Food Environment Air Quality Physical Activity Spaces Access to nutritious food affects diet Poor air quality increases respiratory Availability of safe recreational areas quality and obesity rates. issues and cardiovascular diseases. impacts physical fitness levels. Discrimination and Its Health Consequences 1 Chronic Stress Ongoing discrimination leads to elevated cortisol levels and inflammation. 2 Mental Health Issues Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. 3 Delayed Care Mistrust in healthcare system results in postponed medical visits. 4 Quality of Care Implicit bias affects diagnosis accuracy and treatment recommendations. Poverty and Its Link to Poor Health Outcomes 2x 10yrs Mortality Rate Life Expectancy Gap Low-income individuals die at twice Poverty can reduce life expectancy by the rate of wealthy counterparts. up to a decade. 66% Chronic Disease Higher prevalence of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity in poor communities. Maternal and Child Health Disparities Prenatal Care Infant Mortality Childhood Development Unequal access leads to higher rates Significant racial and ethnic disparities Early life adversities impact long-term of complications during pregnancy persist in infant death rates. health and educational outcomes. and childbirth. Chronic Disease Prevalence and Risk Factors Chronic diseases disproportionately affect disadvantaged populations due to higher exposure to risk factors and limited access to preventive care. Interventions to Address Health Inequities 1 Policy Changes 2 Community Programs Implement policies that address social determinants Develop targeted of health. interventions for at-risk populations. 3 Healthcare Reform 4 Education Initiatives Improve access and quality Enhance health literacy and of care for underserved promote healthy behaviors. groups. Conclusion: Towards Health Equity for All Collaboration Data-Driven Approach Multi-sector partnerships to Continuous monitoring and address complex health evaluation of interventions. disparities. Health Justice Commitment to fairness and equality in health outcomes.