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Global Health Goals and Health Disparities

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Global Health Goals and Health Disparities

I chose to discuss Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). The focus of SDG 3 in

global efforts is to address challenges ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all

ages as outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) (WHO, n.d.). This goal has been a

significant implementation that has brought change to the health care system worldwide.

However, in this paper specifically, the focus is on the United States in regard to this SDG 3

goal. In the United States meeting this objective involves having an understanding of the health

gaps experienced by marginalized groups and how nursing contributes to improving access to

healthcare and outcomes. This essay evaluates the advancements made towards SDG 3 in the

U.S. delves into health inequalities, within communities examines the role of nursing in

addressing these disparities, and suggests approaches to reach SDG 3 goals.

Progress towards SDG 3 in the United States

The United States has made significant strides in healthcare. For example, the rise in life

expectancy to around 78.9 years reflects improved healthcare access, preventive care, and

disease management (Finch et al., 2021). Initiatives like the implementation of the Affordable

Care Act have enabled the rise of Medicare and Medicaid which have extended healthcare

coverage to underserved populations narrowing gaps in health services access (Ercia, 2021).

Medical research breakthroughs have enhanced disease prevention, diagnosis, and

treatment outcomes across age groups. For example, the research on artificial intelligence (AI) in

clinical practice, has brought significant improvement in most aspects of the healthcare system.

Specifically, AI integration in healthcare has great potential to enhance clinical laboratory

testing, treatment selection, and disease detection (Alowais et al., 2023). AI technologies can

outperform humans in a number of healthcare domains by utilizing massive information and

spotting trends. AI reduces human mistakes while increasing accuracy, saving money, and

saving time (Alowais et al., 2023). Personalized medicine can be revolutionized, drug dosage

optimization, population health management improved, guidelines established, virtual health

assistants offered, mental health care supported, patient education improved, and patient-

physician trust influenced (Alowais et al., 2023). Furthermore, more research is being done on

the same thus continuous improvement in AI is quite promising.

Health Disparities Among Vulnerable Populations

Despite overall progress towards SDG 3, health disparities persist among vulnerable

population groups in the USA. I have identified two articles from the CINAHL database that

discuss health disparities affecting specific vulnerable populations. Article 1titled "Race,

Ethnicity, Hypertension, and Heart Disease " by Ogunniyi et al. (2021) sheds light on the health

gaps, in hypertension occurrence and management within racial and ethnic minority communities

among Black and Hispanic adults in the United States as noted by Ogunniyi et al. (2021). Even

though around 45% of the adult population in the U.S. Has hypertension there are disparities

based on race/ethnicity, with adults facing higher rates of hypertension and lower levels of

control. The article also reveals the interaction, between factors, behavior, healthcare practices,

and social determinants of health that play a role in these differences. It stresses the pressing

need for interventions and holistic strategies to overcome the obstacles to controlling

hypertension faced by marginalized groups. The suggestions include integrating team-based

healthcare ensuring access to telemedicine and self-monitoring of blood pressure and engaging

with communities to enhance hypertension management and diminish inequalities. The article

underscores the significance of addressing disparities in care while advocating for equal access
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to healthcare for everyone in order to achieve optimal health outcomes, within vulnerable

populations.

Article 2 by Lampe et al. (2024) discusses the disparities in health that LGBTQ+ people

have when compared to their counterparts who identify as heterosexual and cisgender. These

disparities result from a number of things, such as prejudice, a lack of social support systems,

and restricted access to LGBTQ+-specific healthcare services. LGBTQ+ people face barriers to

receiving healthcare because they are ostracized and ignored in research, have insufficient

resources and support networks, and are abused in nursing homes. Ageism and heterosexuality-

assumptive cultural standards exacerbate these disparities, leading to higher rates of chronic

illnesses, mental impairment, and health problems among older LGBTQ+ people. In addition,

systemic factors such as financial insecurity and LGBTQ+ policies also contribute to poor health

outcomes in this population.

Lampe et al. (2024) underline the importance of adopting a structural competency

approach to effectively tackle these discrepancies advocating for research and medical

procedures that scrutinize and alleviate the underlying factors contributing to health disparities,

within LGBTQ+ communities. Suggestions involve bolstering LGBTQ+ inclusivity, in

healthcare establishments dealing with root policy issues and fostering intersectionality and

community involvement to enhance the health and welfare of older LGBTQ+ individuals.

People from low socioeconomic groups often face challenges in accessing healthcare

resources, which can result in more chronic conditions and poorer health outcomes (McMaughan

et al., 2020). Individuals with higher incomes and education levels often face challenges in

accessing healthcare services, preventive care, and quality treatment, leading to increased health

disparities.
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Nursing Roles in Achieving SDG 3

Through their diverse array of roles and responsibilities, nurses contribute significantly to

the advancement of SDG 3 and the mitigation of health disparities. First and foremost, nurses

engage in patient advocacy when they fight for marginalized groups to have equal access to

healthcare, increase health literacy, and combat the social components of health. Patient

education on preventative care and self-management techniques is an important part of advocacy

work, as is the support of health policy initiatives and community outreach programs.

Nurses also offer care by acknowledging and honoring the diversity of cultures, beliefs,

and preferences, among patients. Providing nursing involves good communication, cultural

respect, and customized healthcare approaches that take into account the cultural, religious, and

linguistic backgrounds of individuals.

Moreover, nurses actively participate in promoting health by encouraging individuals and

communities to embrace habits to prevent illnesses and handle long-term health issues. By

providing education conducting health screenings and organizing community programs nurses

work towards achieving health equality and empowering marginalized groups to manage their

well-being.

Nurses are involved in researching health disparities, putting evidence-based practices

into practice, and developing strategies to address health inequities. By analyzing research data

and exchanging insights, nurses have an impact on the development of clinical procedures,

policies, and strategies that improve the well-being of underserved areas.

In summary, meeting Sustainable Development Goal 3 will require concerted efforts to

address health disparities and promote health opportunities for all Americans, regardless of

community. By understanding the relationships between the environmental and economic factors
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that affect health inequities, nurses may play a vital role in forwarding SDG 3. Nurses can

contribute via research projects, health education, advocacy, and sensitive care. To ensure that

everyone has the opportunity to live a life regardless of age, background, or financial situation,

as well as to achieve health parity, effective coordination among politicians, healthcare experts,

community groups, and individuals is essential.

References

Alowais, S. A., Alghamdi, S. S., Alsuhebany, N., Alqahtani, T., Alshaya, A. I., Almohareb, S.

N., Aldairem, A., Alrashed, M., Bin Saleh, K., Badreldin, H. A., Al Yami, M. S., Al

Harbi, S., & Albekairy, A. M. (2023). Revolutionizing healthcare: the role of artificial

intelligence in clinical practice. BMC Medical Education, 23(1).

[Link]

Ercia, A. (2021). The impact of the Affordable Care Act on patient coverage and access to care:

perspectives from FQHC administrators in Arizona, California and Texas. BMC Health

Services Research, 21(1). [Link]

Finch, T., Jonas, M. C., Rubenstein, K., Watson, E., Basra, S., Martinez, J., & Horberg, M.

(2021). Life expectancy trends among integrated health care system enrollees, 2014–

2017. The Permanente Journal, 25(4), 1–8. [Link]

Lampe, N. M., Barbee, H., Tran, N. M., Bastow, S., & McKay, T. (2024). Health disparities

among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer older adults: A structural

competency approach. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 98(1), 39–

55. [Link]

McMaughan, D. J., Oloruntoba, O., & Smith, M. L. (2020). Socioeconomic status and access to

healthcare: Interrelated drivers for healthy aging. Frontiers in Public Health, 8.

[Link]
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Ogunniyi, M. O., Commodore-Mensah, Y., & Ferdinand, K. C. (2021). Race, ethnicity,

hypertension, and heart disease. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 78(24),

2460–2470. [Link]

WHO. (n.d.). Targets of sustainable development goal 3. [Link].

[Link]

of-sustainable-development-goal-3