There is a rising awareness of the health disparities that exist in the United States (US). Racial and ethnic minority groups in the country are adversely affected by these health inequities and experience poorer health as compared to the general population in the country. African Americans and Arab Americans are some of the minority groups affected by the existing health disparities. African Americans constitute an estimated 15% of the entire US population and are the second largest emerging population in the country. The number of Americans of Arab ancestry is 1.7 million (Edelman, Mandle, & Kudzma, 2014). This paper will examine the differences in health concerns between these two emerging populations.
There is a scarcity of health-related information about Arab Americans. Nonetheless, both Arab Americans and Black Americans are affected by chronic health problems. However, whilst both emerging populations are affected by chronic conditions, African Americans as compared to Arab Americans seem to be disproportionately affected by the leading causes of mortality in the US. These conditions include HIV/AIDS, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. In addition and due to high poverty levels, African Americans experience high infant and maternal mortality rates and lower life expectancies. Black American children who live below the poverty level lack immunizations and experience multiple health problems such as anemia, malnutrition, and lead poisoning. These multiple health issues inhibit normal growth and development of these children. Young Black American children and older adults also experience higher levels of accidents and injuries as a result of residing in unsafe and unhygienic conditions. Meanwhile, mental health problems are an issue of concern amongst Arab Americans and are linked to acculturation in this population. Tobacco smoking, a habit that has been linked with numerous health problems, is an issue of concern amongst Arab Americans. Use of tobacco products when with family and friends is a common social practice amongst Arabs (Edelman, Mandle, & Kudzma, 2014).
In summary, this paper has examined the differences in health concerns amongst two emerging populations in the US that are the Arab Americans and Black Americans. It has established that although both populations are affected by chronic conditions, Black Americans are disproportionately affected by the leading causes of mortality in the US like cancer. Due to high levels of poverty, Black Americans are affected by problems like malnutrition and anemia. Arab Americans, on the other hand, are at a heightened risk for mental health problems due to acculturation.
References
Edelman, C., Mandle, C.L., & Kudzma, E. C. (2014). Health promotion throughout the lifespan (8th ed.). St. Louis, MA: Elsevier.
