Health Problem 1) Definition of the problem 2) Descriptive epidemiology (person, place, time) 3) Etiology (causes, risk factors)

Introduction:

Healthy People 2020 identified 26 Leading Health Indicators (LHI) that represent the most significant public health challenges in the United States. One of the LHI is the “Clinical Preventive Services” indicator, which aims to increase the proportion of individuals who receive clinical preventive services to promote good health and prevent disease. Despite the availability of clinical preventive services, disparities exist in the use of these services, leading to negative health outcomes for some populations. This research paper will focus on the health disparities related to the use of clinical preventive services among racial and ethnic minorities.

Health Problem:

Definition of the Problem:

Clinical preventive services are services that aim to prevent disease, detect diseases early, and reduce the burden of disease. Examples of clinical preventive services include immunizations, cancer screenings, blood pressure screening, and cholesterol screening. Despite the availability of these services, disparities exist in the use of clinical preventive services among racial and ethnic minorities. According to Healthy People 2020, disparities exist in the use of preventive services, such as cancer screenings, immunizations, and cardiovascular disease screenings, among racial and ethnic minorities.

Descriptive Epidemiology:

Person:

Racial and ethnic minorities, including African Americans, Hispanics, and American Indians, have been found to have lower rates of use of clinical preventive services than non-Hispanic whites. For instance, African Americans have higher rates of cancer mortality than non-Hispanic whites, and these disparities are attributed to differences in the use of cancer screenings. Hispanics have lower rates of immunization than non-Hispanic whites, leading to higher rates of vaccine-preventable diseases. American Indians have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, and these disparities are attributed to differences in the use of cardiovascular disease screenings.

Place:

Disparities in the use of clinical preventive services are more prevalent in certain geographic areas, such as rural areas and inner-city areas. Rural areas have been found to have lower rates of use of preventive services than urban areas, leading to disparities in health outcomes. Inner-city areas also have lower rates of use of preventive services, leading to negative health outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities who reside in these areas.

Time:

Disparities in the use of clinical preventive services have persisted over time, despite efforts to address these disparities. Healthy People 2020 aims to reduce disparities in the use of clinical preventive services, but progress has been slow in reducing these disparities.

Etiology:

Causes:

Disparities in the use of clinical preventive services are attributed to various factors, including socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and healthcare system factors. Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and lack of health insurance, have been found to be associated with lower rates of use of preventive services. Cultural factors, such as mistrust of the healthcare system and language barriers, have also been found to be associated with lower rates of use of preventive services. Healthcare system factors, such as lack of access to care and inadequate provider training, have also been found to contribute to disparities in the use of preventive services.

Risk Factors:

Several risk factors have been identified that contribute to disparities in the use of clinical preventive services among racial and ethnic minorities. These risk factors include lack of health insurance, lack of access to care, low health literacy, language barriers, and cultural beliefs and practices. Addressing these risk factors can help reduce disparities in the use of clinical preventive services among racial and ethnic minorities.

Conclusion:

Disparities in the use of clinical preventive services among racial and ethnic minorities represent a significant public health challenge in the United States. These disparities are attributed to various factors, including socioeconomic factors, cultural factors, and healthcare system factors. Addressing these factors can help reduce disparities in the use of clinical preventive services and improve health outcomes among racial and ethnic minorities.