Category
JFL, Terrace Conference Room (001)
Description
Introduction/Background: Residential segregation is a persistent systemic issue in America that detrimentally impacts many facets of the lives of non-white Americans and immigrants, especially African Americans (AAs). Research has established that residential segregation is a vital health risk factor that affects the health and well-being of AAs through various mechanisms. This study aims to investigate the impact of residential segregation on the health and well-being of AAs. Methods: Using a systematic literature review approach, literature was searched in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases using predefined keywords joined with the Boolean operators "and" and "or." This literature search yielded 500 publications published between 2019 and 2024. Data were extracted from 22 peer-reviewed articles that met the study's inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Results: Residential segregation often results in higher poverty levels, limits health behaviors, increases the likelihood of exposure to environmental hazards, alters genomic activity and cognitive levels, reduces access to timely and quality care, and diminishes social determinants of health. These factors work synergistically to adversely impact the health and well-being of AAs. Conclusion: The diverse mechanisms through which residential segregation impacts the physical and mental health of AAs were highlighted in this study. The findings underscore the complex nature of this problem, bringing to light the need for targeted environmental, public health, neighborhood, dietary, and socio-economic interventions. Keywords: Residential segregation, African Americans, health, United States.
The Impact of Residential Segregation on the Health of African Americans in the United States: A Systematic Review
JFL, Terrace Conference Room (001)
Introduction/Background: Residential segregation is a persistent systemic issue in America that detrimentally impacts many facets of the lives of non-white Americans and immigrants, especially African Americans (AAs). Research has established that residential segregation is a vital health risk factor that affects the health and well-being of AAs through various mechanisms. This study aims to investigate the impact of residential segregation on the health and well-being of AAs. Methods: Using a systematic literature review approach, literature was searched in the Google Scholar and PubMed databases using predefined keywords joined with the Boolean operators "and" and "or." This literature search yielded 500 publications published between 2019 and 2024. Data were extracted from 22 peer-reviewed articles that met the study's inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Results: Residential segregation often results in higher poverty levels, limits health behaviors, increases the likelihood of exposure to environmental hazards, alters genomic activity and cognitive levels, reduces access to timely and quality care, and diminishes social determinants of health. These factors work synergistically to adversely impact the health and well-being of AAs. Conclusion: The diverse mechanisms through which residential segregation impacts the physical and mental health of AAs were highlighted in this study. The findings underscore the complex nature of this problem, bringing to light the need for targeted environmental, public health, neighborhood, dietary, and socio-economic interventions. Keywords: Residential segregation, African Americans, health, United States.
Comments
Graduate