Common Health Disparities Among African Americans with a Chronic Illness
Healthy People 2030 describes health disparities as “a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage.” Health disparities can create obstacles for patients from different backgrounds to receive high-quality medical care for their health. Patients from minority groups, such as African Americans, may face a heightened risk of certain health conditions due to various social and economic differences.
According to the CDC, African Americans can experience higher incidence rates and poorer health outcomes for common chronic health conditions. In addition, health disparities play a significant role in how African American patients can manage their health.
Here are the most common health disparities faced by African Americans
Less access to quality care
Inadequate healthcare access is the biggest reason for poorer health outcomes among African Americans. Many factors that prevent this population from receiving high-quality medical care are related to their surrounding environment. Healthcare facilities may not prioritize improving the well-being of Black patients, and there may also be some unconscious biases present among healthcare providers. Unconscious biases or implicit biases are stereotypes about certain people from a person’s consciousness.
Lack of health insurance
Despite the Affordable Care Act expanding health insurance access, many African Americans are uninsured. Also, people from minority populations are more likely to be uninsured due to some states refusing to expand Medicaid coverage. As reported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the uninsured rate for African Americans is 12%, which is higher than that of White Americans at 9%.
Heightened risk of chronic illnesses
African Americans are more likely to have more than one chronic health condition than any other race or ethnicity. Also, a 2020 literature review reveals that chronic illness can occur among several members of African American families. The most common chronic illnesses Black patients face include:
Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Cancer
Depression
Anxiety
Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Substance abuse
Higher mortality rates
Black Americans have the highest mortality or death rates compared to any other race and ethnicity in the United States. Also, African Americans have the highest death rates among major causes, like cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Lower life expectancy
Neighborhoods where Black Americans live, have a lower life expectancy by an estimated 4.1 years. But, communities with less than 1% of Black Americans have a heightened life expectancy by one year. Some potential factors for lower life expectancies in Black American neighborhoods include exposure to hazardous waste and pollution, zoning practices, and displacement from natural disasters.
Self-reported health status
According to KFF, 18% of African American adults are more likely to report fair or poor health status than 13% of White adults. A self-reported health status is a “subjective indicator of health status that integrates biological, mental, social and functional aspects of a person, including individual and cultural beliefs and health behaviors.” Poor self-reported health statuses among African American patients may result from poor self-management of chronic diseases, low socioeconomic status, and parental education.
Health equity, which is equal and accessible health equity for all, is necessary to eliminate health disparities in the United States. To address health disparities, there’s a need to promote health education and awareness, improve access to medical care and resources, and train medical professionals on cultural competency.
How Chronius Can Help
If living with chronic illness feels like a full time job, you aren’t alone.
That’s why at Chronius, we make it easy to navigate the healthcare system as a patient. Our online care management platform brings together all of your health records and offers a 1-click appointment prep tool that easily synthesizes your health story for your care team. You also can track all of your symptoms, identify trends, learn from vetted medical information, and follow a custom patient journey map. Plus, if you needs hands on support, our Care Advocates are available to help you with any issues you may hit up against. Personalized support as you navigate your care journey is what we are all about.
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