Health Disparities in United States: Eliminating Barriers to Access

Running head: HEALTH DISPARITIES IN UNITED STATES
Eliminating Barriers to Access
Chanelle Ranglin
Capella University
NHS4000
Applying Library Research Skills
February 21, 2018

1HEALTH DISPARITIES IN UNITED STATES
Abstract
In our world today, one of the biggest issues that have risen amongst health care activist in the
United States is how health disparity and inequality has affected rural areas and culture.
However, it is important to keep in the back of our minds that it does not prevail in U.S. rather a
worldwide concern. Health disparity is taking an in depth look at the differences in health status
between different social groups, gender, race, ethnicity, education, income, disability, and sexual
orientation. While on the other hand, health inequalities are looking at the unjust and unfair
treatment one gets because of their socioeconomic status and demographic area in which they are
part of. One of my main reasons for selecting this topic was because I wanted to take an in depth
look through research and studies to find out why health inequality and disparity still exists in a
great and rich country like the United States. In addition, how equality in health care can be
achieved.

2HEALTH DISPARITIES IN UNITED STATES
Introduction
The purpose of this assignment is to study health disparities in United States among the
specific populations that are adversely resulting in prevalence, incidence, and burden of disease,
mortality and poor health conditions. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC), November report 2013, there are prevailing health disparities across wide range of
disorders, environmental exposures, behavioral risk factors, and access to healthcare and social
determinants (Meyer, Yoon & Kaufmann, 2013). There are health disparities among ethical and
racial groups, low socioeconomic groups who face barriers to health equity. Over the past
decades, there is diversity witnessed among U.S. population and as it is increasing, there are
emerging health disparities (Barr, 2014). This topic interested me, as by conducting a literature
review, I will be able to understand the reason for this health disparity prevailing in U.S. and
ways to enhance equality in healthcare.
Literature search strategy
For the literature review, I searched the database, Health Care Administration
Undergraduate Library Research Guide from University of British Columbia (UCB). The
keywords used were ‘Health disparities’, ‘United States’, ‘racial disparities’, ‘health inequality’
were entered using Boolean operators like ‘AND’ and ‘OR’. Out of 10 articles, four peer-
reviewed full-text journal articles were retrieved that matched the focused topic from the year
2015 to 2018 published in English.
Credibility of sources
The source of information is credible as these undergraduate library research guides act
as learning and teaching tool for the students to access authentic information for research. It also