Racial Disparities In Healthcare Literature Review

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Racial health disparities have been a prevalent issue among African Americans in the United States. These racial disparities contribute to the wide range of health outcomes, and significant psychological impact on African American communities. This literature review will examine the definition of racial disparities in healthcare in the United States, address the psychological impact among African Americans, and explore the issues of socioeconomic barriers. Throughout history, American Americans have faced a high risk of racial disparities within the healthcare system. African Americans have a higher significance in facing inequalities in receiving the correct care, health outcomes, and unequal quality of services compared to their white counterparts. …show more content…
African Americans face a higher risk of health issues compared to their white counterparts. These racial disparities are the results of factors such as socioeconomic status, systemic racism, and access to healthcare. These factors significantly affect the impact of psychological well-being of African Americans. Impact of Racial Health Disparities on Mental Health African Americans have faced racial discrimination and different forms of injustice which have been found to have an impact on the mental health of those individuals. A study by Williams and Mohammed, 2009 found that African Americans who experience discrimination were at higher risk of developing anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. Racial health disparities and fears of receiving unequal healthcare can also lead to mental health distress among African Americans. Those who struggle with fear and mistrust towards the healthcare system often lead to an avoidance of seeking medical care. This can be shown to negatively impact mental health and worsen the health disparities. In a study by Hudson et …show more content…
Historical trauma refers to the cumulative emotional and psychological wounds that are passed down through generations as a result of traumatic events (Hernandez, 2018). These traumas have had a long-lasting impact on their mental health, with studies showing these traumas are linked to high rates of PTSD, anxiety, and depression (Brondolo et al., 2009). Barriers in Healthcare There have been various racial barriers in the healthcare system which have had significant issues throughout the United States towards African Americans. These racial barriers can be traced back to US slavery days, when African Americans faced discrimination, were denied access and even subjected to inhumane treatments by medical providers. A well-known Tuskegee syphilis study of an African American man who was left untreated without their consent is the primary example of systemic racism existing early on in the healthcare system. African Americans have faced barriers affecting their use of seeking and reviving mental health care. Some of these barriers include stigma surrounding mental health in their communities, discrimination, and limited financial issues (Williams & Mohammed,
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