Answer for PUB 540 When might collecting data on race perpetuate institutional racism leading to health disparities and when is it necessary to improve public health?  Re: Topic 8 DQ 2

In research that I have done regarding maternal mortality and specifically the incidence hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, mainly preeclampsia, being African American was described as a risk factor. Due to social economic disparities, culture, and other factors such a history of hypertension lead to African Americans having a higher risk factor.  Study after study suggests this, but certainly not as a descriptor.

But that is not to say that racism does not exist in healthcare. As discussed by Williams et al. (2019) that structural racism determines differential access to health and resources that drive disparities in care. Studies have shown that segregation does not equate in better health. communities separated by race still tend to fare worse when it comes to diseases such as heart disease. Policies have been made based on difference, where separate is not equal. Racial discrimination or perceived discrimination affects the outcome of health due to trust issues or perceived notions regarding the individual being treated.

Williams & Cooper (2019) suggest that we use what we know to decrease health care institutional racism by creating communities of opportunity. But to do this, societal systems that create inequities such as education, housing, work, and other areas that address early education, childhood poverty, enhanced economic opportunities, and better housing. There are many strategies but building political will to address these things has to be addressed for the public to have better health outcomes. It is the Christian thing to do. We must find a way to increase public empathy, not just for moments but sustainably overtime.

References

Williams, D., R., Lawrence, J., A., Davis, B., A. (2019). Racism and health:  Evidence and needed research.  Annual Review of Public Health ,40(1), 105-125. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-040218-043750

Williams, D. R., & Cooper, L. A. (2019). Reducing Racial Inequities in Health: Using what we already know to take action. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16(4), 606. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040606