|
Gender Differences
Ψ There are genetic difference in genetic risks for certain illnesses.
Ψ Senescence affects women more than men because small, superficial signs of aging, changes in skin, hair, weight, are of
more concern (to both sexes) but especially to women. In reality women age slowly & females live longer worldwide. Twice as many women in the U.S. are alive as men by age 85.
Socioeconomic Status
Ψ People who are relatively well educated, financially secure, & living in or near cities tend to live longer lives & have fewer
chronic illnesses or disabilities. They feel healthier than the average person of their age, sex & ethnicity.
Ψ Compared to people in rich nations, those in poor nations experience higher rates of disease, injury, & death.
Ψ Conditions such as lung & breast cancer, which were once more common among the rich than the poor, have been called diseases of affluence.
Ψ SES may help to explain why the health of immigrants is generally better than that of the native born members of their ethnic group. Immigrants usually have been raised in families with relatively high SESs.
Ψ Among the health hazards that accompany the context of poverty is more pollution, more crowding, & more health hazards of every kind.
Ethnic Differences
Ψ Both genetic & cultural factors affect the overall health of various ethnic groups, but social & psychological factors are even more influential.
Ψ The reason for regional difference in the heath of Americans include variations in the quality of the environment & health care, as well as genetic, dietary, socioeconomic, religious, cultural, & medical patterns.
Ψ Between 45 & 54, the chance of dying is twice as high for African Americans, & only half as high for Asian Americans, as it is for European Americans. In between are the mortality rates for Native Americans & Hispanic Americans. Self reported health status, disability, & morbidity follow the same ethnic patterns as mortality.
Ψ In all minority groups, the illness & death rates among recent immigrants are lower than among long time U.S. residents. Why? They are hardier, have better health habits, are more optimistic, & have better family communication / support.
|
|
Ψ There are genetic difference in genetic risks for certain illnesses.
Ψ Our health care system works less well for people who are ethnic minorities, & the poor. Members of these groups are less likely to have insurance or to seek medical care.
Ψ Medical personnel, like all people are subject to bias, which influences treatment.
Growth & Development
Robert C. Gates
|
|
