Unraveling health disparities: examining the dimensions of hypertension and diabetes through community engagement

Abstract

The contexts of people's lives can perpetuate racial and ethnic health disparities. In this work, community members from four racial/ethnic groups (Hispanic, Native American, African American, Asian) engaged in an investigative process to analyze their own life conditions, and to explore dimensions of their health behaviors and lifestyles when managing diabetes and/or hypertension. Principal conclusions of the researchers: (1) Respondents were knowledgeable about their health conditions, but had no knowledge of health disparities. (2) Respondents felt the media portrays members of racial/ethnic minorities as hopeless and helpless; this discourages them from believing they can live healthier or better lives. (3) The over-abundance of fast food and unhealthy food eateries in minority communities contradicts the advice of the public health industry. (4) The majority of all respondents were in one of two stages relative to their willingness to change unhealthy behaviors: not interested or already doing it.