Minority population groups

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clear that the United States has a long way to go in terms of caring for and treating those in need. As you read, minorities in the United States typically have the most significant morbidity and mortality rates across all diseases. In this assignment, focus on one of the minority populations listed below and provide a comprehensive overview of the population and the health issues they uniquely face. If you belong to a minority population, try to examine a different population than your own.

Minority population groups:

African-American/Black
Hispanic/Latino/Spanish
American Indian/Alaskan Native
Asian/Pacific Islander

Identify the population size of minority population in the United States.
Indicate the primary locations of residence (i.e., regions, states, and cities).
Estimate the projected growth of minority population in the United States.
Illustrate a brief history of this population (i.e., country or continent of origin, primary time of migration to the United States, and key hardships faced from initial growth to today) in the United States.
If you chose American Indian/Alaskan Native, you can change country or continent of origin and primary time of migration to tribal areas in the United States, subjection, and dates of forced exile and size of reservations.
Explain the rates of heart disease, stroke, and cancer in this population and how these rates compare to the U.S. average.
As you read, heart disease, stroke, and cancer are the top three causes of mortality across the United States, so this comparison will demonstrate if your chosen population suffers more or less from these diseases.
Hypothesize the suspected causes for the higher or lower rates of heart disease, stroke, and cancer compared to others not in this population
Differentiate the unique diseases and ailments that target this population.
For example, Tay Sachs disease has a higher incidence in the Jewish population.
Explain why these unique diseases and ailments are suspected of affecting this population more than others.
Explain what programs exist to help this population with all of the above illnesses and diseases.
Explain what barriers exist to your population using these programs more.
Argue what programs you would like to see put into place to assist this population.
Identify how they address the previously noted barriers.
Defend why you believe your program would be successful in areas where others have failed.
Provide the contact information for the nearest public health office knowing the areas most dense with your population.

 

Sample Solution

Hispanic/Latino/Latinx Population Health Disparities in the United States

The Hispanic/Latino/Latinx population in the United States is the largest and fastest-growing minority group. Here’s a comprehensive overview of their health issues:

Population and Demographics

  • Size: As of 2022, the U.S. Hispanic population is estimated at over 63 million, representing 19.3% of the total population (US Census Bureau, 2022).
  • Locations: Hispanics reside throughout the country, with high concentrations in the Southwest (California, Texas), Southeast (Florida), and Northeast (New York, New Jersey).
  • Projected Growth: The Hispanic population is projected to grow significantly, reaching nearly 30% of the U.S. population by 2060 (Pew Research Center, 2022).

Brief History

  • Origin: Latinx people come from various countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
  • Migration Waves: Large-scale migration began in the mid-20th century, with ongoing waves due to economic and political factors.
  • Hardships Faced: Early immigrants faced discrimination in housing, employment, and healthcare access. These challenges persist to varying degrees today.

Heart Disease, Stroke, and Cancer Rates

  • Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics generally have lower overall cancer rates (American Cancer Society, 2023).
  • However, Latinx adults have a higher prevalence of certain cancers, such as cervical cancer and stomach cancer (American Cancer Society, 2023).
  • Heart disease and stroke rates are mixed. Some studies show similar rates to non-Hispanic whites, while others suggest higher rates for certain subgroups within the Hispanic population (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021).

Reasons for Health Disparities

  • Socioeconomic factors like poverty, limited access to healthcare, and unhealthy living environments contribute to higher risks of chronic diseases.
  • Cultural and linguistic barriers can hinder communication with healthcare providers.
  • Acculturation to an unhealthy American lifestyle (diet, physical activity) can increase disease risks.

Unique Diseases and Ailments

  • While not exclusive to Hispanics, certain genetic conditions are more prevalent due to ancestral backgrounds.
  • Examples include sickle cell disease in populations with African ancestry and Tay-Sachs disease in some Ashkenazi Jewish subgroups.

Existing Programs

  • The National Hispanic Health Coalition advocates for improved health access and outcomes for Latinos.
  • Government programs like Medicaid and Medicare can provide healthcare coverage for low-income individuals and seniors, respectively.

Barriers to Using Programs

  • Language barriers can make navigating healthcare systems difficult.
  • Immigration status concerns might deter some from seeking preventive care.
  • Limited transportation or childcare options might hinder accessing healthcare services.

Proposed Program: Culturally Responsive Community Health Hubs

  • Establish culturally competent health centers in Hispanic communities.
  • Offer bilingual staff, patient navigators, and educational materials in Spanish.
  • Partner with local community organizations to build trust and address social determinants of health.
  • Provide transportation assistance and flexible appointment scheduling.
  • Offer preventative health screenings and health education workshops.

Why this Program Would Succeed

  • By addressing language and cultural barriers, this program creates a welcoming environment.
  • Integration with community organizations fosters trust and outreach.
  • The focus on preventative care can reduce healthcare costs in the long run.

Nearest Public Health Office

To find the nearest public health office, you can visit the website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (https://www.hhs.gov/) and search by zip code.

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