WOMEN'S HEALTH ISSUES AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH. (Essay Sample)

Ensuring Health lives and well-being of the United States Women
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Abstract
Healthcare organizations in the United States of America continue to place a premium on promoting the health and well-being of women. Nevertheless, despite these efforts, women continue to suffer from a variety of illnesses that have cost the lives of many. The purpose of this study is to give healthcare organizations and decision-makers with a greater understanding of healthcare problems and challenges affecting women, as well as how these complications and challenges might be reduced using social healthcare determinants. It is found that, women in the United States of America, women face some health complications which have a great magnitude of effect in their life. Examples of common health complication prone to women in the country are; cancer, mental health problems, reproductive difficulties, and others. It’s concluded that, health agencies and decision makers in the country should use social healthcare techniques to promote well-being of women and to ensure healthy lives.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title page .......................................................................................................................1
Abstract…………………………………………………………………….…………..2
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...............................................................................................3
Background ....................................................................................................................4
Results ...........................................................................................................................5
Discussion......................................................................................................................7
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................9
References .................................................................................................................. 10
Background
The population of the United States is both varied and ever-changing. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of the United States as of 2021 is about 331 million (Nam & Terrie, 2021). The population of the United States represents a wide range of racial and ethnic groups. White people constitute the largest single racial group, numbering in at around 205 million which is 61% of the total population. African-Americans account for 44.83 million which is 13% of the population, while Hispanics and Latinos make up about 62.5 million which is 16% (Jacobson., 2018). People who claim multiple racial or ethnic identities make up a sizable subset of the population. The gender distribution of the United States' total population is rather even, with men making up about164.38 million which is 49.2% of the populace and women making 167.51 million which is 50.8% (Beck et al., 2022).
A range of factors, including social, economic, and environmental factors influences the health and well-being of this population. In order to ensure the health and well-being of the U.S. population, it is important to understand the current state of health in the country, as well as the factors that contribute to health and illness. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the overall health of the U.S. population is generally good, with life expectancy at birth exceeding 78 years (Jacobson., 2018). However, there are significant disparities in health outcomes among different groups in the population, with certain groups experiencing higher rates of morbidity (disease prevalence) and mortality (death rates) (Acemoglu & Restrepo, 2022). For example, low-income women and those living in rural areas often have worse health outcomes compared to their more affluent and urban counterparts.
One of the most important goals of public health initiatives in the United States should be to improve the health and happiness of women. Since women account for half of the population, improvements in their health can have far-reaching effects on the well-being of individuals, groups, and nations (Alexander., et al., 2020). A wide range of social, economic, and environmental factors can impact women's health and happiness. To improve the health and well-being of women, it is crucial to ensure that they have access to appropriate medical care, education, and other necessary services.
Results
Women in the United States have a life expectancy of 81 years, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is higher than the national average of 78 years. Women of non-Hispanic white origin have the longest life expectancy at 84 years, followed by women of Hispanic origin at 87 years (Jacobson., 2018), women of Asian descent at 86 years, and women of non-Hispanic black origin at 78 years.
In general, women in the United States face a range of healthcare complications and challenges. Some common health conditions that affect women include:
* Cardiovascular disease: In the United States, heart disease is the top cause of death among women. Heart disease risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
* Cancer: Women in the United States are susceptible to a variety of types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer.
* Mental health disorders: Women are more likely than men to develop such conditions as depression and anxiety.
* Reproductive health difficulties: Women may face a variety of reproductive health issues, such as infertility, menstruation abnormalities, and menopause-related issues.
Women in the US suffer a number of reproductive health issues, not the least of which is the high rate of maternal mortality. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over half of all conceptions in the United States are unplanned, and that the proportion of unintended births is higher among women who are younger, poorer, or without health insurance (Jacobson., 2018). The health of the mother and the child is not the only thing that might suffer from an unexpected pregnancy; the family's finances and social stability can also take a hit (Alexander., et al., 2020). Researchers have claimed that cultural and religious biases, as well as societal hesitance, contribute to an insufficient response to young Americans' reproductive health needs. Generally speaking, these sensitivities are heightened when women's needs are the focal point.
Women's mental health is a crucial part of their overall health and happiness. It has been found by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) that some mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, are more prevalent in women than in men in the United States (PTSD) (Ricci, 2020). Increased risk of chronic illness, disability, and mortality are just some of the ways in which these illnesses can negatively impact a woman's quality of life. Similarly, in the United States, there are large gaps in the mental health of women of different ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds (Lowdermilk et al., 2019). Women from underrepresented groups, such as those from racial or ethnic minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, or those who have experienced trauma or abuse, are disproportionately affected by mental health issues (Beck et al., 2020). Additional challenges may exist for low-income and disabled women seeking mental health services.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 4 male and female deaths in the United States each year are caused by cardiovascular disease (Ricci, 2020). It is a broad term that encompasses numerous types of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and stroke. Heart disease can be caused by numerous factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking (Jacobson., 2018). It is important for individuals to take measures to reduce their risk of heart disease, such as consuming a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and not smoking.
In addition, women in the United States are at risk for developing several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer (Jacobson., 2018). In the absence of early detection and treatment, these types of cancer can pose a significant threat to a woman's health and well-being. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death among women (Lowdermilk et al., 2019). It occurs when breast cells grow and divide uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of a tumor.
The health of mothers is vital to the overall health and happiness of women. In comparison to other industrialized countries, the United States has a relatively high rate of maternal mortality. The United States had a rate of 17.4 maternal fatalities per 100,000 live births in 2018, which is more than twice as high as the rate in many other affluent countries (Brim et al., 2019). Women of non-Hispanic black origin have a maternal mortality rate that is more than three times that of women of non-Hispanic white origin (Alexander et al., 2020), contributing significantly to the overall high rate of maternal mortality ...