HEALTH DISPARITIES IN BLACK MEN: A SIGNIFICANT AND GROWING CRISIS THAT MANDATES ATTENTION

HEALTH DISPARITIES IN BLACK MEN:

A SIGNIFICANT AND GROWING CRISIS THAT MANDATES ATTENTION

CHARLES MODLIN, MD, MBA

UROLOGIST & KIDNEY TRANSPLANT SURGEON

NATIONAL HEALTH EQUITY LEADER

NOVEMBER 2023

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Health disparities among African American males have been AND continue to present a significant concern for African American males, black communities and public health professionals and researchers, as well as the entire nation.

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These disparities are observed in various health outcomes, including higher rates of chronic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, as well as lower life expectancy compared to other racial and ethnic groups. These health disparities contribute to the four to six year lower life-expectancies commonly observed in black men compared to their white male counterparts.

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Here are just some examples and statistics highlighting health disparities and decreased life expectancy in Black men:

1.??? Chronic Diseases: Black men have higher rates of chronic diseases compared to other racial and ethnic groups. For example, according to the American Heart Association, African American men have a higher prevalence of hypertension, which leads to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

2.??? Cancer: African American men have higher incidence rates and mortality rates for various cancers, including prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that Black men have the highest prostate cancer incidence rate of any racial or ethnic group and are more likely to be diagnosed at later stages.

3.??? HIV/AIDS: Black men are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African American men accounted for 42% of all new HIV diagnoses among men in the United States in 2019, despite representing only around 13% of the male population.

4.??? Mental Health: Black men face unique mental health challenges and are less likely to seek mental health services due to stigma and lack of access. According to the National Institute on Mental Health, suicide rates among Black men have been rising, and they experience disparities in receiving adequate mental health care.

5.??? Life Expectancy: Black men have a lower life expectancy compared to other racial and ethnic groups. According to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2019, the life expectancy for African American men was 72.5 years, compared to 76.3 years for white men.

These examples and statistics underscore the urgent need to address health disparities among Black men and work towards equitable healthcare access, prevention, early detection, and culturally appropriate interventions.

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Health Disparities in African American males occur due to a variety of complex and overlapping factors. Disparities in access to healthcare, quality of care, socioeconomic factors, cultural influences and genetic/hereditary factors contribute to the observed disparities. These disparities emerge due to a complex interplay of multiple factors, including:

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1. Socioeconomic Factors: African American males often experience lower educational attainment, limited job opportunities, higher poverty rates, and residential segregation. These socioeconomic factors contribute to barriers in accessing healthcare, which in turn impacts health outcomes.

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2. Limited Access to Quality Healthcare: Inequities in healthcare access, including lack of health insurance, shortage of providers in underserved areas, and racial biases in the healthcare system, play a significant role in health disparities among African American males. Studies have shown that African Americans have less access to regular primary care, preventive services, and specialized care.

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3. Behavioral Factors: Behavior patterns, such as higher rates of smoking, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, and substance abuse, contribute to higher prevalence of chronic diseases among African American males. These behaviors are influenced by various social, cultural, and environmental factors.

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4. Psychosocial Factors: African American males may experience higher levels of stress due to discrimination, socioeconomic challenges, and other psychosocial factors. Chronic stress has been associated with adverse health outcomes, such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders.

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Addressing these health disparities requires a multi-faceted approach involving comprehensive strategies at different levels. Some potential solutions and best practices include:

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1. Improving Access to Healthcare: Enhance healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, by increasing the number of healthcare providers, establishing community health centers, and expanding insurance coverage options. Implementing telemedicine and mobile health clinics might improve access.

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2. Cultural Competence: Healthcare providers should receive cultural sensitivity and diversity training to ensure they understand and address the unique needs and experiences of African American males. This helps foster trust and effective communication between patients and providers.

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3. Health Education and Promotion: Develop targeted health education campaigns focusing on reducing risky behaviors and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. These campaigns should address the specific needs and preferences of African American males using culturally appropriate and relevant messaging.

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4. Community Engagement: Collaborate with community organizations, religious institutions, and local leaders to actively involve the community in health promotion activities. Engaging community members in decision-making processes ensures interventions are effective, sustainable, and aligned with community needs.

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5. Policy Interventions: Advocate for policies that address social determinants of health, such as affordable housing, quality education, and employment opportunities. Implementing policies that reduce racial disparities and support economic empowerment can positively impact health outcomes.

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To support this summary, here are some references for further reading and to explore the mentioned data:

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1. Healthy People 2030: Disparities. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (https://health.gov/healthypeople/objectives-and-data/social-determinants-health/disparities )

2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. National Healthcare Disparities Report. (https://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/nhqrdr/nhdr19/index.html )

3. Williams, D. R., et al. (2010). Racism and health: Pathways and scientific evidence. American Psychologist, 69(7), 77-80.

4. Smedley, B. D., et al. (2003). Unequal treatment: Confronting racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.

5. Healthy People.gov . Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH). (https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/healthy-people-in-action/story/racial-and-ethnic-approaches-community-health-reach )

6. American Public Health Association. APHA Toolkit for Health Departments to Eliminate Disparities. (https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/health-equity/racism-and-health/racism-declarations/toolkit )