Physicians need to remember to consider the patient’s culture, lifestyle and economic circumstances when delivering care
By: Henry Davison, Jr., M.D. in collaboration with Gloria N. Beck
Inequities in health care in the United States are problems that cross racial, socioeconomic, gender and educational lines. Genetics plays a huge role in the increased likelihood that certain groups will develop diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and breast and prostate cancer. Research has shown a solid link between health care the type and availability of insurance coverage, access to providers and how and when care is delivered and the incidence and severity of diseases among certain populations.
Comparing health statistics for African American males and females versus other groups reveals some startling differences. African American men middle-aged and older are far more likely to die from stroke, lung cancer and coronary heart disease than other racial and ethnic minority groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
African American men are 66 percent more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian males and, statistically, they are more likely to die from advanced prostate cancer. Black women are more likely to be overweight or obese compared to other major racial and ethnic groups in the United States, according to the CDC. Dietary preferences, levels of physical activity and cultural influences may contribute to this tendency.
In many cases, disparities arise when there is a lack of health insurance or a patient’s insurance does not adequately cover health care needs. Approximately 20 percent of African Americans do not have health insurance, compared to about 15 percent of Caucasians, according to the 2003 Census data. Free or low-cost health care facilities are frequently understaffed, making it difficult for providers to discuss preventive care and perform appropriate diagnostic testing.
Other barriers to health care access include the unavailability of transportation to the office or clinic, the lack of child care for single parents, provider attitudes and barriers related to differences in ethnicity, culture and language.
Physicians and patients need to take greater responsibility for reducing these barriers and ensuring equal health care treatment for all. Physicians need to remember to consider the patient’s culture, lifestyle and economic circumstances when delivering care. Physicians should also be constantly vigilant so that potential biases that they may have do not influence the care they deliver to patients of different groups.
As patients, we can control many of the risk factors associated with health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
Taking a more proactive role in your own and your family’s care is essential. Becoming knowledgeable about family health histories and controllable risk factors is one way to accomplish this. Adhering to dietary and exercise guidelines may go a long way in reducing cholesterol levels, glucose levels and obesity and reducing the impact of these diseases on your health. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you already smoke, stop. These are things that can be managed.
You may also seek to develop a partnership with your health care provider and establish a health program that includes regular examinations and preventive screenings. Have open discussions about lifestyle and belief systems. Choose a physician who listens to your concerns, understands your needs and speaks with you as an equal.
The top priority is your health. Educate yourself about available preventive screenings such as a stress test, mammogram, pap smear and colonoscopy, as well as about diagnostic tests for glucose levels, cholesterol levels and prostate cancer.
Empowering yourself to make certain you receive the proper care often results in earlier detection of health problems. This early identification leads to earlier treatment, which frequently reduces the likelihood of developing complications from advanced stages of a disease. The goal is to achieve better health outcomes for you and your family.
In addition to a strong doctor-patient relationship, patient education and awareness can play a big role in reducing the gap. Health conferences and exhibitions are one of the paths to awareness. Getting educated about the health risks associated with race and gender, knowing what to expect from a visit to your health care provider and how to empower yourself by gaining knowledge about appropriate treatment, care and lifestyle modifications may create better health outcomes for our families and community.
Princeton HealthCare System is committed to becoming your partner in closing the health gap. Please join us on Saturday, June 25, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., for "Soul to Soul: Taking Care of Each Other," an evening dedicated to the special health needs of African Americans.
Keynote speakers are Susan L. Taylor, editorial director of Essence magazine, and Michael Eric Dyson, Ph.D., a best-selling author who was recently named one of the "100 Most Influential Black Americans" by Ebony magazine. In addition, there will a variety of health information available specifically tailored to minority populations.
The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Princeton, 102 Carnegie Center Blvd. in West Windsor.
To register for this evening of fellowship, personal enrichment and delicious food, please call (888) 742-7496 or visit www.princetonhcs.org for online registration. Registration is $30 per person.