Study Shows Distinction Between Whites And Ethnic Minorities
Even in the current scenario, there are wide differences between healthcare provided to stroke patients belonging to the ethnic minorities and the white community. The fact has been revealed by a reported completed by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association. According to Dr. Salvador Cruz Flores, who is the lead author of the report, the discrimination is seen all aspects of the care provider. Commencing with the lack of awareness of risk factors and symptoms to the delay seen in the arrival of the patients in the emergency room and the increase in the waiting time for patients, disparities are clearly visible.Continued Discrimination Unfair
Discrimination against the minorities residing in the United States of America is clearly seen even today, although a vast majority of the population refuses to acknowledge the discrimination. When a patient belonging to the minority community who has suffered from a stroke arrives at the healthcare facility, the waiting time is substantially higher than the wait time for a white patient. In addition, the quality of the care provided, to the acute treatment, and the rehabilitation of patients are different for a patient belonging to the ethnic minorities when compared to the care provided to a patient from the white community.
Difference In Risk Factors
According to the report by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, the risk factors affecting the different racial and ethnic races are different. The risk to African Americans is higher due to higher blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity. All these medical conditions lead to a greater probability of a stroke. In comparison, Hispanic Americans are more prone to high blood sugar levels and metabolic syndrome. These factors increase the risk of a stroke in the Hispanic American individuals. According to Dr. Cruz Flores, these races need to be aware of these medical conditions that put them at a greater risk to stroke. In addition, these ethnic races should know that these medical conditions are both preventable and treatable.
New Policies Proposed To Reduce The Discrimination
The report that was published in the May issue of the magazine Stroke, proposes new policies to eliminate the discrimination while treating patients suffering from a stroke. The new policies must focus on educating and researching in the area to reduce the disparities. This is truer where individuals belong to the American Indians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders are concerned. Another new policy that the study proposes is to make health insurance more convenient and accessible to these individuals belonging to the ethnic communities.
Such Discrimination Unacceptable
When we are advanced to the twenty-first century, the study says that such a discrimination while providing healthcare is unacceptable. With the numerous developments in medical science to provide care to stroke patients, it is improper when the focus has to be on eliminating the discrimination instead of providing superior care services to patients. According to Dr. Cruz Flores, the difference in the care provided to the different racial groups is shameful and needs to be corrected.