EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SYSTEMIC INEQUALITIES ON HEALTH OUTCOMES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This study examined the influence of structural inequities on health outcomes among African American populations, exploring how elements such as socioeconomic disadvantage, restricted healthcare accessibility, educational gaps, and residential segregation contributed to enduring health disparities.  African Americans disproportionately experience higher rates of chronic illnesses, reduced life expectancy, and restricted access to preventive healthcare compared to other racial groups, stemming from historical and ongoing systemic inequalities. Drawing on the social determinants of health and the weathering hypothesis, this study investigated how these structural obstacles impacted health across the lifespan, contributing to heightened susceptibility to sickness and early aging. Empirical evidence indicates that socioeconomic factors, healthcare availability, and environmental determinants substantially impact health outcomes, elucidating the multifaceted mechanisms by which inequality sustains suboptimal health. These insights accentuate the pressing need for tailored policies and interventions to advance health equity, addressing both acute healthcare requirements and the wider social and economic forces that mold long-term health in African American populations.