University:
McMaster University
Course:
HLTHAGE 2B03 | Social Identity, Health and Illness
Academic year:

2023
Views:

196

Pages:

2
Author:

Sabrina S.

The Role of Intersectionality in Public Health - Class Notes: 1. The above programmes have to factor intersectionality in an effort to be effective in public health. - Hence, there is likelihood that policies and programs that have not considered intersectional features will not sufficiently respond to the needs of the subjugated groups. How intersectionality can be integrated into public health: ● ● ● Data Collection: Collecting data on multiple social identities can help identify health disparities more accurately. Community Involvement: Engaging with diverse communities can provide insights into their unique health challenges. Policy Development:/ Creating policies that address the specific needs of intersecting identities can lead to more equitable health outcomes. Case Studies Case Study 1: Maternal Health in Black Women It is quite surprising that black women in the United States have a risk ofreality related deaths that is three to four times that of white women. This a is not of course simply therefore because of biological differences. real life principles including health care, economic status, and racism can be considered as some of the main causes of the issues. - There exists the conclusion that the programs that had targeted these similar problems were more effective in lowering the maternal mortality of Black women. Case Study 2: Mental Health in LGBTQ+ Youth Major mental health issues such as depression and, in severe cases, suicide are also more rife within the LGBTQ+ youth population. These risks are even amplified if such youth is from other vulnerable groups like the black race, origin from other countries or low income earners families. It is for these multiple identities that intersectional approaches have been helpful in offering the requisite mental health. Case Study 3: Aging in Indigenous Communities Aboriginal people who are also elder are also more prevalent to encounter special health issues resulting from age, race and actual history. - Further compound by the scarcity of adequate health care and social services. Interventions that considers cultural awareness and factors related with the above causes have provided enhanced results in increasing the overall health of Indigenous elders. Challenges and Criticisms ● ● ● Complexity: The concept can be difficult to operationalize in research and practice. Overemphasis on Identity: Critics argue that focusing too much on identity can overlook other important factors like individual behavior and genetics. Resource Allocation:/ Implementing intersectional approaches can be resource-intensive. However - making use of an intersectional perspective in public health has far more positives compared to the negatives as discussed above. Moving Forward ● ● ● Education:/ Training healthcare providers on the importance of intersectionality. Research:/ Conducting studies that explore the intersections of various social identities. Policy:/ Developing policies that are inclusive of all social identities.