Final answer:
The average life expectancy in 2013 for white males is higher compared to black males, which is lower, with a significant racial-ethnic difference noted in the United States. Factors contributing to these disparities include healthcare access, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and geographic location. Despite overall progress in mortality rates, the health gap between races persists.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are significant racial-ethnic and sex differences in life expectancy. The average life expectancy in 2013 for white males is higher as compared to black males, which is lower. Specifically, looking at the disparities between Black and White Americans, in 2018, the average life expectancy for White males was approximately 78.8 years while for Black males it was 74.7 years. The social epidemiology in the United States reveals these disparities among races, with the African American community suffering from higher rates of poor health and a higher mortality rate compared to Whites.
Differences in life expectancy are influenced by a variety of factors including access to healthcare, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and geography. For example, African American children born in different regions of the United States show a wide range in life expectancy, indicating that geographical location plays a significant role in shaping these outcomes. The disparities persist beyond mortality rates to other health indicators such as infant mortality, where the rate for Black individuals is almost double that for White individuals.
In understanding the health landscape of the United States, it is also important to acknowledge the progress made over time, such as the declining overall mortality rate due to decreases in deaths from major diseases. However, the racial health gap remains evident, underscoring the need for continued attention and action to address these inequities.