The identification of behavioural determinants
of CVD will aid in the designing of future programs and applications to
address these health determinants and reduce risky behaviors. There also
exists a need for research aimed at understanding the psychological
impact of racial and/or ethnic disparities on CVD health related
outcomes. Research in this field could potentially benefit future public
health and clinical
practices.79
African Americans, and Hispanic Americans account for 13% and 16% of
the US population, however, the racial sub-groups only contribute to 9%
of the physician populace. Due to the underrepresentation in the
workforce, African Americans and Hispanic Americans are more likely to
be treated by physicians from different ethnic/racial background
compared to Whites.8 Evidence from a comprehensive
review supports patient-provider race-concordance and its association
with positive health outcomes in minorities.80Similarly, medical education programs can greatly benefit cultural
competence of physicians, helping them acquire skills to interact with
the marginalised patient groups, subsequently contributing to the
elimination of health disparities.79
Conclusion
There exists compelling evidence of the pervasive nature on disparities
in cardiovascular health, which are prevalent in population sub-groups
defined by race, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES),
subsequently contributing to the adverse impact on quality of life (QOL)
and medical outcomes. To eliminate these CVD disparities in minority
populations, greater efforts focused on guideline adherence, risk factor
control and management are required.