Health disparities
Introduction
Health disparities refer to the differences that exist among specific groups in the United States (U.S.) that makes them not realize their full health potential. Although the term health disparities may be used to refer to differences among ethnic or racial groups, inequalities can go beyond other dimensions such as gender, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic and disability status, and geographic location (McFayden, 2009). However, racial and ethnic health disparities are the most common despite if the strides made by the U.S. In the meantime, while the U.S government is undertaking strides in addressing health care disparities, the advanced registered nurse plays a vital role in the process.
Selected Population Group- African Americans
The selected population group that I will likely serve as an advanced registered nurse will be African American. My specialty will be as a nurse-midwife due to the increase in infant mortality rates among African-American mothers. Although the infant mortality rates have decreased nationally by 14 percent from 2004 to 2014, disparities still exist among African-American mothers (Osel, 2014). In 2013, statistics highlight that African American mothers experienced the highest rate of infant mortality of 11.11 deaths per 1000 births compared to an infant born to Asian mothers, which had the lowest rates of 3.90 deaths per 1000 births (Osel, 2014). My contribution will not only deliver babies but also provide care and wellness programs to the women ranging from prenatal care, family planning, and gynecological care.
Diversity and Global Perspectives of Care to address Health Equity to this Population
Health care professionals undergo training to provide care to people of all ages, which include the underserved urban and rural populations (McFayden, 2009). Thus, this often places healthcare professionals as community leaders (Osel, 2014). The disparities mentioned above are the most prevalent despite the steps made by the U.S. Statistical projection estimate that by the year 2044, the minority populations will account for more than half of the U.S population (Osel, 2014). As such, the solution taken to address health inequity among the minority population should take into consideration social, political, and historical contexts.
References
McFayden, E. (2009). Key Factors Influencing Health Disparities among African Americans. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.1437507
Osel, J. (2014). Being (Born) Black in America: Perceived Discrimination & African-American Infant Mortality. SSRN Electronic Journal. doi: 10.2139/ssrn.2173553