Which Conditions Disproportionately Affect the Black Community?

• Updated on: 2023-06-20
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Black people in the United States are more likely to develop certain conditions or have worse outcomes from those conditions. The reasons for this are often some combination of genetic, social, and economic factors. Several conditions impact Black communities more strongly than other racial groups. Some of these conditions are more common among Black people. In others, Black people may have worse outcomes or develop conditions earlier. The reasons for these disparities are complex and often intertwined. In this article, we’ll review conditions that disproportionately affect Black people in the United States and the reasons behind the disparities. We’ll also address what Black people can do to close the health gap for these conditions. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. For the purposes of this article, we sometimes use “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. This choice is made based on the language used by the sources we cite. Learn more about sex and gender.

Causes of racial disparities in health Before we delve into the conditions, it’s important to understand why some of these disparities exist. In some cases, it can be a matter of biology and genetics. But in most cases, the disparities are rooted in several systemic issues. Known as social determinants of health (SDOHs), these nonmedical factors can influence health outcomes. Experts group SDOHs into : Economic stability: Lack of income or employment can be a significant barrier to stable housing, as well as access to medical care and nutritious foods. Education access and quality: Not only is your level of education often tied to your income, but can play a role in helping you live a longer and healthier life. Healthcare access and quality: Black people in the United States are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured than their white counterparts. They also report receiving a lower standard of care. Neighborhood and environment: Living in an area with high rates of violence or pollution can significantly affect your health. You might work in a job that exposes you to greater health risks. Social and community context: Mistrust of the medical community may be deeply entrenched in some pockets of the Black communities. An underlying theme throughout all the SDOHs is the impact of systemic racism. Historically racist attitudes and policies have led to the disparities mentioned above. Now let’s look at how these factors can influence Black people’s experiences with certain health conditions.

Black adults in the United States are 30% more likely to have obesity than white adults. This disparity is even greater for children and teens (50%) and women (50%). Obesity is a risk factor for several conditions on this list and can contribute to worse outcomes for other conditions. This disparity often has economic and geographic causes. Disparities in income affect people’s ability to buy healthy food options. Some people may live in food deserts or spaces where physical activity is challenging or unsafe. What you can do

Black adults in the United States are as likely as white adults to develop type 2 diabetes. That’s when your body can’t produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels down. This disparity is largely due to genetics, high obesity rates, and socioeconomic factors. Complications from diabetes, like kidney disease, are also more common among Black people. Efforts to control risk factors like obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are of utmost importance. What you can do If you have diabetes, monitor and manage your blood sugar levels to avoid complications.

Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is a rare genetic disease that affects hemoglobin in your red blood cells. It affects how much oxygen your red blood cells can deliver to your organs and tissues. While only 1 in every 16,300 Hispanic American babies is born with SCA, the condition affects Black newborns. About 1 in every 13 Black babies carries the gene and can pass it on to the next generation. But disparities in healthcare access and quality can also affect people with SCA. Many have trouble obtaining the pain medications they need to manage their conditions because of racist beliefs about Black people’s perception of pain or concerns over opioid misuse. SCA is a lifelong condition with symptoms starting in childhood. Finding a culturally competent doctor who understands the impact of the disease on Black families can make a big difference. What you can do Know what can trigger a sickle cell crisis and avoid them. Take any recommended medications to prevent infections. Stay up to date on your vaccinations.

Asthma occurs when the airways in your lungs narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Not surprisingly, this condition disproportionately affects children in communities with poor air quality. Black communities have been the target of environmental racism, resulting in exposure to higher levels of air pollution. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, asthma is 50% more common in Black people in the United States than in white people. They’re also five times more likely to visit the emergency department due to asthma and three times more likely to die from it. But these rates have been declining since the introduction of the Affordable Care Act when many more people gained insurance and access to health services. What you can do If you have asthma, develop an action plan to help keep your symptoms under control. Talk with a doctor about an asthma education program. There may be options catered to you. Learn more about risk factors for asthma.

The early months of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the impact of racial disparities in our healthcare system and our country as a whole. In May 2020, Black people were more than three times more likely to be admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 than white people. They also died at almost twice the rate. Many of the conditions that are more prevalent in the Black community, like obesity and sickle cell disease, can increase your risk of from the virus. Issues of healthcare access and only intensified the impact. A year into the pandemic, Black Americans were still less likely to be vaccinated than white Americans. This vaccine hesitancy was in part fueled by medical mistrust rooted in historic injustices involving vaccines. It took until 2 years into the pandemic for Black Americans to be vaccinated at the same rate. What you can do Keep with your COVID vaccinations, including boosters. Manage underlying conditions that can increase your risk of serious illness from COVID. Learn more about the impact of COVID-19 on Black communities.

In a 2022 report from the Pew Research Center, 79% of Black U.S. adults surveyed thought they were less likely to receive advanced care from medical professionals. Respondents reported feeling rushed, disrespected, or not having their pain taken seriously. It can help to find a healthcare professional who understands the unique health concerns of Black people in America. Many healthcare systems are working to provide better cultural competency. And many healthcare professionals have the background and expertise necessary to understand your unique health needs and offer you the care you deserve. Still, you might just prefer a Black doctor — and that’s okay. A 2019 study found that Black men had improved outcomes when they saw Black doctors. The men were more likely to discuss other health issues and undergo preventive screenings. The doctors were more likely to take detailed notes. But according to the Association of American Medical Colleges, Black doctors account for only 5.0% of all active physicians. This can make finding someone with lived experience a bit challenging. It can be even harder if you’re uninsured or on a public plan like Medicaid. Thankfully, there are organizations and websites that can help you make a connection. Resources to help you find culturally competent care Learn tips on how to find medical care when you’re Black.

The reasons why some health conditions are more common among Black people are complex and interconnected. We need overarching changes in our political, social, economic, and medical systems before we can really close the gap. But until then, there’s much we can do on our own to take control of our personal health. That means understanding our risk, making healthy life choices, and taking appropriate actions to prevent or manage these conditions. And remember — it’s always okay to advocate for the care you need and deserve.