Final answer:
Infectious and communicable diseases prevalent among African Americans in prisons include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and STIs. These diseases are complicated by systemic healthcare inequities and historical factors affecting African American health. The elderly prison population faces a higher risk, especially in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The types of infectious diseases and communicable diseases that are more common among African Americans in prisons include HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these health concerns due to the proximity and shared spaces within prison environments, particularly among the elderly prison population, which has grown substantially in recent years. The burden of these diseases is compounded by the systemic healthcare inequities that continue to impact African Americans. Due to factors such as medical mistrust, racial and health disparities, the morbidity and mortality rates for African Americans often exceed those of White Americans, with HIV/AIDS being a leading cause of death. Moreover, historical health impacts related to slavery and continuing racism contribute to a unique 'slave health deficit' with longstanding effects on African American health.