Race, Stress and Health

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer relates that ample empirical evidence exists to demonstrate that a patient's physiological status is impacted by his or her ethnicity. The writer notes that this suggests that there are genetic predispositions towards specific outcomes, where the physiological status of the individual is in some manner influenced by his or her genetic heritage. The writer points out that studies of ethnicity in health care have at times been linked to racial inequality, particularly discrimination based upon race or socio-economic status. This is especially relevant in respect to minorities who historically are less able to access health care than whites within the United States. The writer maintains that in order to improve the health of minority communities, it is necessary to engage in a study in which African-American males with cardiovascular illness are surveyed and assessed according to their perceptions of exposure to discrimination. This process will help to validate efforts to improve the quality of preventative care provided, as well as increase access to health care. The paper includes sample questions for a survey.

Outline:
Literature Review
Problem Statement
Hypotheses
Methodology
Discussion of Meaning and Implication of Findings
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"This occurs both within the domains of physical and mental health, but for different reasons. The data on minorities and health care indicates that it is cost-prohibitive for many persons in African-American and Latino communities to require adequate care, and that the minority is statistically more likely to receive health care only during emergencies: routine health care, such as examinations, is beyond the economic reach of more than forty percent of all minorities. This number increases to sixty-five percent or more in urban settings in which a larger number of the population is less likely to have access to health insurance. Mental health care is even less accessible; while minorities will seek out emergency care if they perceive an immediate need, one's psychological health is usually not immediately apparent and a person affected with mental health problems is less likely to have aid forced upon them by others."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Catherall, D. R. (2003) The Handbook of Stress, Trauma, and the Family. London: Brunner-Routledge.
• Drench, M. E. (2002) Psychosocial Aspects of Healthcare. New York: Prentice Hall.
• Gee, G. C. (2002). A multilevel analysis of the relationship between institutional and individual racial discrimination and health status. American Journal of Public Health. Vol 92 (4). 615 - 623.
• Gilbert, N. & Terrell, P. (2005). Dimensions of Social Welfare Policy (6th Ed). New York: Allyn & Bacon.
• Greene, R. A. (2002). Resiliency: An integrated approach to practice, policy, and research. New York: NASW Press.

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• Book Review # 101657 : "R. Hofrichter's "Health and Social Justice"

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