Unit 1601: Health Equity and Social Justice

1. Introduction to Health Equity and Social Justice

1.1 Definitions

• Health equity
• Social justice

1.2 Importance of Addressing Disparities

• Impacts on healthcare access
• Differences in health outcomes

1.3 Historical Context of Health Inequalities

• Historical patterns of discrimination
• Evolution of health equity movements

2. Determinants of Health Disparities

2.1 Social Determinants of Health

• Socioeconomic status
• Race and ethnicity
• Education
• Access to healthcare services

2.2 Other Contributing Factors

• Environmental conditions
• Employment and working conditions
• Neighborhood and built environment

3. Impact of Systemic Racism on Health Equity

3.1 Understanding Systemic Racism

• Definition and examples
• Institutional policies and practices

3.2 Effects on Healthcare Access and Quality

• Barriers to care
• Implicit bias in healthcare providers

3.3 Health Outcomes for Marginalized Populations

• Disparities in morbidity and mortality rates
• Case studies/examples

4. Strategies for Promoting Health Equity

4.1 Policy Changes

• Health policy reform
• Insurance coverage expansion

4.2 Community-Based Initiatives

• Grassroots programs
• Partnerships with local organizations

4.3 Cultural Competency in Healthcare

• Training and education
• Patient-centered care approaches

4.4 Advocacy for Vulnerable Populations

• Roles of healthcare professionals
• Building coalitions and networks

5. Intersectionality and Health Equity

5.1 Concept of Intersectionality

• Definition and origins
• Framework for understanding overlapping identities

5.2 Intersection of Factors Influencing Health

• Gender
• Sexual orientation
• Disability
• Immigration status
• Interaction with race and class

5.3 Implications for Health Disparities

• Complexities in health outcomes
• Tailored interventions

6. Ethical Considerations in Health Equity

6.1 Principles of Distributive Justice

• Fair allocation of resources
• Equity vs equality

6.2 Duty to Address Healthcare Disparities

• Professional and societal responsibilities

6.3 Cultural Humility in Healthcare Delivery

• Definition and practice
• Benefits to patient-provider relationships

7. Global Perspectives on Health Equity

7.1 Health Disparities Across Regions

• Low-, middle-, and high-income countries

7.2 Social, Political, and Economic Contributors

• Globalization
• Political instability
• Economic inequality

7.3 International Efforts and Frameworks

• World Health Organization initiatives
• Sustainable development goals related to health