Healthy People 2020 defines a health disparity as "a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group; religion; socioeconomic status; gender; age; mental health; cognitive, sensory, or physical disability; sexual orientation or gender identity; geographic location; or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion."
"Health disparities are differences in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and other adverse health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States,” according to the National Institutes of Health.
The Burden of Chronic Disease in Maryland
In Maryland, chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension are the leading causes of death, disability, and health care costs. In 2007, Medicaid alone spent more than $550 million on chronic diseases. Approximately $196.3 million was spent on hypertension alone, followed by diabetes at $157 million.
Hypertension
- Defined as high blood pressure, 140/90 mmHg or higher
- An estimated 1 in 3 Maryland adults has hypertension
- Known as the “silent killer,” as those with hypertension often have no signs or symptoms
- Disproportionately affects the African-American population
Source:
Maryland BRFSS
Diabetes
- Defined as a disease that occurs when blood glucose or sugar is too high
- Three types: Type 1, Type 2 (most common), and gestational
- An estimated 10.2 percent, or 1 in 2, Maryland adults have diabetes
- Diabetes (or pre-diabetes) is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease and stroke, vision loss, amputations, and kidney disease
- African-Americans are almost twice as likely to have diabetes as non-Hispanic whites
Sources:
Office of Minority Health and Health Disparities - Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene