Health disparities in the United States

Health disparities in the U.S.A.

Quality health care for all citizens is a desired element of any modern society. Countries that are described as developed nations pride themselves as having a good health care system that promotes longevity and ensures access to quality health care. This can be observed in the U.S.A. through the extensive debate during passage of the changes to the health care system advanced by President Obama. Unfortunately, despite the excessive rhetoric on the topic the reality is far different. Within the U.S.A. health care in terms of access and health status, is differentiated along socioeconomic variables. Wealthier persons have greater access to health care.

The gradient between socioeconomic variables and disease risk is an inverse gradient (Dressler, Balieiro, Dos Santos, 1988). Consequently, the wealthy are less likely to be ill and when they do become ill, they are more likely to seek medical attention and care. This reality slopes the landscape in favor of persons of wealth and means. The disparity is larger between the upper echelons and the lower segments of society. Additionally, this gap exists for a wide range of morbidities from "cardiovascular disease to reported symptoms of psychological distress" (Dressler, Balieiro, Dos Santos, 426).

The rising cost of health care is a significant problem. The magnitude of the problem appears to threaten the economic stability of the country. The economic dimension of the issue is readily ventilated in the media and can be the source of much hysteria. The cost to specifics groups of individuals is given cursory attention. As health care cost rises and insurers increase their rates to compensate for the rising cost the major sufferers are women, the poor and the elderly ().

Health care quality can be considered the extent to which the service is likely to increase the "desired health outcomes" and is in harmony with the existing "professional knowledge" (Institute of Medicine 1990). Using this definition, we are able to examine the quality of care within the country. The definition however is inadequate, as it does not actively relate to issues of process and how the technical elements of affect quality and access. Despite this limitation, it is useful since it focuses on health outcomes and the congruence with professional knowledge. Two elements that are extremely useful in the examination of health care. In this regard therefore, quality is also differentiated along SES. Persons who are higher on the socioeconomic ladder experience better "desired health outcomes."

The access to quality health care also has cultural and SES elements to it. Dressler & Bindon (2000) identify cultural consonance as a factor in determining blood pressure in African-American communities. The implications of this work are that cultural elements play a big role in health care quality and access. Whites tend to have greater access to better health care than minority groups. This access is in terms of the proximity of quality physicians, medical services, and facilities.