Embracing Diversity: Insights on Minority Contributions and Health Disparities
Explore the positive contributions of minorities like Asian Americans, Latinos, and African Americans, while facing stressors like racism and health disparities in areas such as HIV/AIDS and mental health. Uncover challenges related to poverty, education levels, and family dynamics.
Embracing Diversity: Insights on Minority Contributions and Health Disparities
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Presentation Transcript
Chapter 15 Diversity and Stress
Terms to Define • Minority: racial, religious, or ethnic group smaller in number than the controlling group in the the community or nation • Race: a group of people with similar physical traits, blood types, genetic patterns, and/or inherited characteristics • Ethnicity: a group of people having a common heritage such as common customs, characteristics, language, and history
Positive Aspects of Minority Status • Asian American contributions • Acupuncture • Herbal medicines • Relaxation techniques • Native American contributions • “Wholism” concept • Harmony (balance) concept of health • Concern for the environment
Positive Aspects of Minority Status, cont’d • Latino/Hispanic American contributions • Social and family support • Spiritual aspects of health • African American contributions • Importance of church • Enjoyment of life through sports, arts, social interaction
Stressors Challenging Minorities • Racism • Culture conflicts • Acculturation stressors • Hate crimes
Health Status Differences of Minorities • Health care disadvantages • Some national health objectives focus on minorities • Infant mortality • Life expectancy • Years of potential life lost • Hypertension
Health Status Differences of Minorities, cont’d • HIV/AIDS • Cancer • Mental health
Poverty andEducational Level • These factors are related and are associated with poorer health • The lower the socioeconomic level, the poorer the health status • Table 15.3 shows poverty levels in the United States (2000) • Women in general earn less than men and have less opportunities • Age and disability status are other factors
Family Life • Two important factors of family life that are related to stress development • Homelessness • Type of family structure
Age and Physical Disability • The elderly are not revered in the United States as they are in some countries, a source of stress • People with disabilities suffer from the challenge of their condition and from discriminatory attitudes
Chapter 15 Diversity and Stress