Reference no: EM133830381

Question

Data on race and ethnicity reveals gaps in healthcare efficacy because they are often reliable grouping factors for cultural tendencies. So, research in this area could reveal significant cultural patterns to health behavior and outcomes, but it can also reveal where our assumptions fail; that is, actual data may indicate that cultural factors do not fully explain the patterns we see, indicating the need to critically assess health systems. Detailed information that describes the state of racial/ethnic health realities have been available for less than one century. The government has only recently (in the last 50 years) expanded its labels for ethnic belonging to include more groups such as Native Americans and Asian-Pacific Islanders. New data is key to recognizing deeper patterns. I think one important thing we all can do is talk openly about our healthcare choices, to share information with friends and family and to share resources. As an example, I was recommended to the Dental School at ECU by a colleague, and that has made a huge difference in my access to dental care while in graduate school.