From COVID to cancer, Black people have always had to exist with higher instances of health problems than our white counterparts. These disparities are impacted by what experts call social determinants of health (SDOHs), that keep kicking us whether we are up or down. According to the HHS, SDOHs cover five nonmedical domains:
- Economic stability
- Education access and quality
- Healthcare access and quality
- Neighborhood and environment
- Social and community context
Seems obvious, right? These five factors have a major impact on people’s health, well-being, and quality of life. Without economic stability, one is more likely to end up without medical insurance, or worse, living in a neighborhood that is a labeled a food desert. And you can forget about access to the best educational opportunities.
So yes, when you add these five domains together, then apply the standards to most urban environments, it is no wonder that Black people are especially predisposed to have increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity when compared to those with easy access to healthy foods.
Top five causes of death
Counting down the top five causes of death, we start with COVID-19. Having ravaged the Black community in 2020 and 2021, rates blessedly dropped precipitously in 2022, accounting for 5.3% of deaths that year. Black individuals experienced higher rates of infection, hospitalization, and death compared to other racial groups, largely due to systemic inequities. Factors such as overrepresentation in essential frontline jobs, crowded living conditions, limited access to healthcare, and underlying health conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma increased vulnerability to severe outcomes. Misinformation and historical mistrust of medical systems also contributed to vaccine hesitancy in some segments of the community. The pandemic underscored the urgent need for equitable healthcare access, culturally competent public health messaging, and targeted interventions to address social determinants of health and build resilience in underserved populations.
As of March 7, 2021, in Texas, Black or African American individuals experienced 128 deaths per 100,000 people due to COVID-19
Number 4 on the list is cerebrovascular disease. More commonly called strokes, they accounted for 5.5% of Black deaths in 2022. Contributing factors include a higher prevalence of risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, which are often exacerbated by socioeconomic inequities, limited access to preventive healthcare, and systemic barriers within the healthcare system. Moreover, Black individuals are more likely to experience strokes at a younger age, compounding the long-term impact on families and communities.
Number 3 on the list are accidents, also known as unintentional injuries, which accounted for 8.4% of deaths in 2022. Unintentional injuries, including those caused by motor vehicle crashes, falls, drowning, and accidental poisoning, are a significant public health concern in the Black community. For instance, limited access to safe recreational spaces can increase the risk of childhood injuries, while hazardous work environments may elevate risks for adults. Addressing these disparities requires community-based education on injury prevention, investments in safer infrastructure, and equitable access to emergency care and safety resources.
Number 2 brings us to malignant neoplasms, which is the medical term for cancer. Cancer accounted for 17.2% of deaths. Malignant neoplasms, commonly known as cancers, significantly impact the Black community, with disparities in incidence, outcomes, and access to care. Factors such as socioeconomic inequalities and limited access to early screening, and systemic barriers to quality healthcare contribute to higher mortality rates among Black individuals compared to other racial groups. Additionally, cultural stigmas and historical mistrust of medical institutions can delay diagnosis and treatment. Common cancers affecting the Black community include breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Finally, the condition that has been perennial winner for the past century, heart disease continues to be the number one killer of Black Americans. In Texas, heart disease and stroke account for almost 30% of deaths, with rates highest among non-Hispanic Black individuals.
And sure, while heart disease has been the top cause of death for all races since 1921, Healthline says that Black Americans are 30% more likely to die from diseases of the heart than our white counterparts. Cultural dietary patterns, compounded by limited access to affordable, healthy food options, also play a role. Additionally, stress from systemic racism and discrimination has been identified as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular health in the Black population.
Again, due much to the impact of those SDOHs that cause us to live with more stress and in worse conditions than others. However, there is one bright spot: some SDOHs are somewhat manageable. For example, smokers can quit. We can limit the snack foods we eat. And please, visit a doctor.
Our health is worth it.
This article is sponsored by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in partnership with Word In Black News.
