thesis for health disparities
HHP 3410- Health Disparities
Research Paper
December 2, 2012
Disparities in Mental Health Care with Regards to Racial and Ethnic Cofactors
There are many significant differences among racial and ethnic groups pertaining to mental health and mental health services. Via this topic, disparities among racial and ethnic groups have arisen and been studied and researched in magnitude. Mental health disparities among racial and ethnic groups can be attributed, but not limited to: access to health care, quality of care received, and the cost variances of mental health services among differing racial and ethnic groups. Research and data statistics have been obtained that focus on the underlying factors contributing to the disparities of each of these key points. Access to health care, quality of care, and cost variances among ethnicities will be discussed in depth independently. Laterally, emphasis will also been placed on preventative measures that may be implemented in order to lessen the gap in mental health care outcomes between different socioeconomic groups.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Mental Health Services
Through ample studies and research, it has been concluded that there are indeed significant differences in mental health services among racial and ethnic groups. But where do the variances originate? Many factors influence the disparities of racial and ethnic mental health care, and equality can be significantly obscured from the very beginning of the spectrum.
Cook, McGuire, and Miranda (2007) conducted a study based on the Institute of Medicine definition of racial-ethnic disparities. Data was obtained from the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. Trends in data were examined over 2000-2001 and 2003-2004 and compared respectively. One point of interest in this study was the measurements of any mental health visit made by African Americans, Hispanics, and white Americans over these two specific trend periods. These data revealed a
Research Paper
December 2, 2012
Disparities in Mental Health Care with Regards to Racial and Ethnic Cofactors
There are many significant differences among racial and ethnic groups pertaining to mental health and mental health services. Via this topic, disparities among racial and ethnic groups have arisen and been studied and researched in magnitude. Mental health disparities among racial and ethnic groups can be attributed, but not limited to: access to health care, quality of care received, and the cost variances of mental health services among differing racial and ethnic groups. Research and data statistics have been obtained that focus on the underlying factors contributing to the disparities of each of these key points. Access to health care, quality of care, and cost variances among ethnicities will be discussed in depth independently. Laterally, emphasis will also been placed on preventative measures that may be implemented in order to lessen the gap in mental health care outcomes between different socioeconomic groups.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to Mental Health Services
Through ample studies and research, it has been concluded that there are indeed significant differences in mental health services among racial and ethnic groups. But where do the variances originate? Many factors influence the disparities of racial and ethnic mental health care, and equality can be significantly obscured from the very beginning of the spectrum.
Cook, McGuire, and Miranda (2007) conducted a study based on the Institute of Medicine definition of racial-ethnic disparities. Data was obtained from the Medical Expenditure Panel Surveys. Trends in data were examined over 2000-2001 and 2003-2004 and compared respectively. One point of interest in this study was the measurements of any mental health visit made by African Americans, Hispanics, and white Americans over these two specific trend periods. These data revealed a
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