Final answer:
Health care disparities in the United States are differences in health outcomes and access to health services that disproportionately affect minority groups, particularly African Americans. These disparities are influenced by income, race, systemic issues, and socio-economic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Disparities in Health Care Based on Income and Race
When we discuss health care disparities in the United States, it refers to the differences in the quality of health and health services across different populations. Income and race are significant factors leading to these disparities. Studies and reports, such as the National Healthcare Disparities Report, have revealed that even after taking insurance coverage into account, racial and ethnic minority groups often receive poorer quality of care and have less access to it than dominant groups. This problem is compounded by factors such as a lower level of health literacy, economic inequality, and systemic issues within healthcare and housing that disproportionately affect African Americans. Furthermore, there are stark differences in health outcomes, with African Americans suffering more from chronic diseases compared to White Americans, and encountering higher morbidity and mortality rates. The socio-economic factors such as poverty, employment in low-wage jobs, and crowded housing conditions further exacerbate these health disparities. Community psychologists and other health professionals recognize the need for culturally sensitive and specific adaptations in health care delivery to address these inequalities effectively.