Reducing Health Disparities in Underserved Communities
Health disparities are the differences in health outcomes and access to health care among different groups of people. Health disparities can be influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, income, education, geography, and disability. Underserved communities are those that face barriers to obtaining quality health care, such as lack of insurance, transportation, language, or cultural competence. Reducing health disparities in underserved communities is a major public health goal and a social justice issue.
Some of the strategies to reduce health disparities in underserved communities are:
– Improving health literacy and education. Health literacy is the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services. Health education is the provision of information and skills to help people make informed decisions about their health. Improving health literacy and education can empower people to take charge of their own health and prevent or manage chronic diseases.
– Increasing access to preventive and primary care. Preventive care is the type of care that aims to prevent or detect diseases before they become serious. Primary care is the type of care that provides general health services and coordinates with other levels of care. Increasing access to preventive and primary care can reduce the burden of disease and improve health outcomes.
– Enhancing community engagement and empowerment. Community engagement is the process of involving community members in identifying and addressing their own health needs and priorities. Community empowerment is the process of increasing the capacity and influence of community members to improve their own health and well-being. Enhancing community engagement and empowerment can foster trust, collaboration, and ownership among community members and health providers.
– Promoting health equity and social justice. Health equity is the state of everyone having the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Social justice is the principle of fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and power in society. Promoting health equity and social justice can address the root causes of health disparities, such as poverty, discrimination, and oppression.
References:
– Braveman P, Arkin E, Orleans T, Proctor D, Plough A. What Is Health Equity? And What Difference Does a Definition Make? Princeton, NJ: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; 2017.
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health Literacy. https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/index.html. Accessed January 14, 2024.
– World Health Organization. Primary Health Care. https://www.who.int/health-topics/primary-health-care#tab=tab_1. Accessed January 14, 2024.
