Social Determinants of Black Men’s Health Disparities

Today, the social determinants of health disparities keep evolving, especially for the Black man compared to other racial and gender groups in the United States. While some positive changes have been achieved in recent times to rid these health inequalities, there is still a significant gap to close as the average Black man is still more susceptible to a wide range of them. These disparities have been a significant source of high mental and physical health conditions in black communities.

This Month,  Black Ivy Media aims to enlighten Black men on health disparities in Black communities, especially during this period of the Coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic.

Statistics conducted in 1900 show that white men are likely to live, on average, for 46.6 years, while Black men could expect to live only 32.5 years, which is more than 14 years less. Also, on average, Black men are more likely to die seven years earlier than US women of all races and other groups of men.

Social determinants of health disparities are groups of non-medical factors that affect the health outcomes of individuals. These health disparities are driven mainly by core social and economic inequalities deeply-rooted in racism. Some of these non-medical factors include;

·      Income inequality

·      Poverty

·      Gender

·      Ethnicity

·      Educational inequalities, etc.

In the long run, these factors progress to severe physical and mental health consequences, including;

·      High illness and mortality rate

·      Disease burden

·      Mental health

·      Lack of access to good health care, etc.

The importance of addressing the role of social determinants of health disparities in Black men cannot be overemphasized, as it is the first step to ensuring its elimination. Everyone has a fundamental human right to HEALTH. This means anyone, whether you are black, white, man or woman, should have complete access to the health services they need, wherever and whenever they need them, regardless of financial status.

To achieve health equity in our society is the ability for everyone to have an equal right to live the healthiest life possible without any social or economic bias. We must address the social determinants of these disparities.

How can health disparities be limited?

1.     Through conscious effort from health care organizations or practitioners to raise public awareness and support programs in affected populations.

2.     Organizing cultural competency training to enlighten health care providers.

3.     Building a physical, social, and economic environment that creates the possibility of good health for every Black man.

4.     Offering the racial and ethnic groups more health care resources since they are less likely to access good health resources and caregivers.

5.     Ensuring that public and private Health maintenance organization (HMO) members undergo equal managed care protections.