Health has multiple influences.

Full Answer Section

Social Determinants of Health Influencing Maternal Mortality Disparity

Several social determinants of health contribute to this disparity:

1. Socioeconomic Factors:

1. • Poverty: Lower socioeconomic status is associated with limited access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and safe housing, all of which can impact maternal health.
   • Education: Lower levels of education can lead to poor health literacy, which can hinder women's ability to make informed decisions about their health.

2. Racial and Ethnic Disparities:

1. • Implicit Bias: Implicit biases among healthcare providers can lead to disparities in the quality of care received by Black women.
   • Historical Trauma: The legacy of systemic racism and discrimination can have lasting impacts on the health and well-being of Black communities.

3. Access to Quality Healthcare:

1. • Insurance Coverage: Lack of health insurance or inadequate coverage can limit access to prenatal care and other essential services.
   • Provider Bias: Implicit biases among healthcare providers can lead to disparities in the quality of care received, including inadequate pain management and delayed diagnosis.

Addressing this health disparity requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the underlying social determinants of health. This includes improving access to quality healthcare, addressing implicit bias among healthcare providers, and implementing policies that promote social and economic equity.

Sample Answer

Health Disparity and Social Determinants of Health

Defining Health Disparity

A health disparity is a preventable difference in the burden of disease, injury, violence, or opportunities to achieve optimal health that is experienced by socially disadvantaged populations. It's a gap in health outcomes between different groups of people, often linked to social, economic, and environmental factors.  

A Specific Health Disparity: Maternal Mortality Rates

One significant health disparity is the higher maternal mortality rate among Black women compared to white women in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.