DISPARITIES IN HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE

A 2001 study found that male doctors prescribed twice the level of analgesic medication for white patients than for African Americans. If you are black or poor or female—and in pain—your chances are diminished for receiving adequate pain management. This is disparity of healthcare.

Many healthcare studies indicate unequal treatment due to discrimination based on differences of race or ethnicity, income, gender, age, and location.

Disparities of health occur, also. Native Americans die from tuberculosis at a rate 650% higher than the general population, and are four times more likely to die of diabetes. Approximately 15% of the U.S. population is medically uninsured, compared to 33.4% of indigenous peoples. In either case, lack of insurance creates an access problem which is another significant disparities issue.

The Center for Practical Bioethics is committed to addressing disparities of health and healthcare by means of assessment, policy analysis, dialogue, program initiatives, advocacy, research and writing for publication.

Contact Terry Rosell at (816)221-1100 extension 215 or disparities@practicalbioethics.org. For more information, click on the links below.

Overview

Facts and Reports