Introduction
African Americans are among minority groups in the United States who face numerous health-related problems due to various determinants such as racism, discrimination, and poverty. The population faces health disparities and nutritional challenges that adversely affect their health. The intersection of health disparities, nutritional challenges, health barriers, and health promotion in African Americans highlights the urgent need for a sophisticated and culturally sensitive approach to achieve the population’s optimal well-being and alleviate health inequities.
Health Disparities and Nutritional Challenges for African Americans
Some health disparities African Americans face include higher rates of chronic diseases and mental health disorders, lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality rates, and limited access to healthcare. For instance, African Americans have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease than other racial groups. Systemic racism and discrimination contribute to mental higher health disorders such as depression among African Americans than average rates in the US (KrisāEtherton et al., 2020). Further, African Americans are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured than other populations, limiting their access to preventive care, screenings, and treatment for chronic diseases.
One of the significant nutritional challenges African Americans face is the need for access to healthy, affordable food options. Many African American communities are in food deserts, areas with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and other healthy food options (KrisāEtherton et al., 2020). In addition to food access issues, cultural traditions, and food preferences also play a role in African Americans’ nutritional challenges. Traditional African American cuisine, such as soul food, is often high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium (Richards Adams et al., 2019). Many African American communities do not have access to nutrition education programs, and there is a lack of culturally appropriate resources that consider the unique cultural and social factors that influence dietary habits.
Barriers to Health for African Americans
African Americans face multiple barriers to health resulting, including cultural, socioeconomics, educational, and sociopolitical obstacles. Cultural barriers encompass different cultural beliefs and practices related to health and wellness that may impact African Americans’ access to healthcare. Socioeconomic barriers that hinder the community’s access to healthcare may include poverty, lack of transportation, inadequate housing, and food insecurity (Connell et al., 2019). Lower levels of education among African Americans hurt their ability to understand health information and make informed decisions about their health. Further, sociopolitical barriers such as discrimination and biased policies adversely affect African Americans’ access to healthcare and quality of care (Connell et al., 2019). All of these barriers can contribute to significant disparities in health outcomes for African Americans, including higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancy, and higher mortality rates from certain conditions
Health Promotion Activities Practiced by African Americans
African Americans engage in various health promotion activities to maintain good health and prevent chronic diseases. African Americans engage in regular physical activities such as walking, running, dancing, and sports. African Americans incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets (KrisāEtherton et al., 2020). Additionally, they seek preventive healthcare services such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, and check-ups. Further, most African Americans prioritize health education and health literacy (KrisāEtherton et al., 2020). These activities reflect a strong sense of community and prioritization of health within African American culture.
Three Levels of Health Promotion Prevention
A comprehensive approach to health promotion for African Americans should incorporate primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention. The primary level of prevention focuses on preventing the onset of disease by addressing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors (Martins et al., 2018). One approach to primary prevention that is likely effective for African Americans is community-based health promotion programs. These programs can include education on healthy eating and exercise, opportunities for physical activity, and access to healthy food options.
The secondary level of prevention focuses on the early detection and treatment of disease to prevent further complications. The secondary prevention approach that is likely to be effective for African Americans is regular screening for chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. The tertiary level of prevention focuses on managing and treating existing diseases to prevent further complications and improve quality of life (Martins et al., 2018). Culturally competent care is one approach to tertiary prevention that is likely to be effective for African Americans. The strategy can include healthcare providers who understand the unique cultural beliefs and practices of African Americans.
Culturally Competent Health Promotion
When creating a care plan for African Americans, it is essential to consider cultural beliefs and practices that may impact their healthcare decision-making and adherence to treatment. The cultural beliefs and practices that healthcare providers should consider include family and community, spirituality and religion, alternative medicines, and diet and nutrition (Martins et al., 2018). By considering these cultural beliefs and practices, healthcare providers can create care plans sensitive to African Americans’ needs and experiences and promote better health outcomes.
A cultural theory that can be used to support culturally competent health promotion for African Americans is the cultural humility model. The model emphasizes a process of self-reflection and lifelong learning by healthcare providers to address power imbalances and promote equity in healthcare delivery (Stubbe, 2020). This model recognizes that healthcare providers may have different experiences from their patients. This approach values patient-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement (Stubbe, 2020). Therefore, the cultural humility model promotes a patient-centered approach to care that considers every individual’s unique needs and experiences.
Conclusion
The health disparities, nutritional challenges, and barriers experienced by African Americans highlight the critical need for targeted health promotion strategies that address the issues and promote equity in access to quality healthcare services. The population engages in various health promotion activities, such as sports and physical exercises. A culturally competent health promotion and care plan can significantly alleviate the disparities faced by African Americans.
References
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Martins, C., Godycki-Cwirko, M., Heleno, B., & Brodersen, J. (2018). Quaternary prevention: Reviewing the concept. European Journal of General Practice, 24(1), 106ā111. Web.
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