Enhancing the Health of African Americans Using a Public Health Ethics Lens

Authors

  • Rueben C. Warren

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2020.199

Keywords:

African American, Health, Public health ethics

Abstract

Health inequalities are preventable. Differences in health status chronicled by race, age, sex, income, or geographic locale have existed ever since federal record keeping began. Various terms describing these differences have created diversions for effectively addressing them. Some population terms include health risks, health differences, health markers, and health disparities. However, none of these descriptors influences health outcomes. At the individual level, deviations from health described as illness, sickness, and disease are often erroneously used interchangeably. Bioethics and public health ethics are essential to avoid repeating historical research and healthcare violations. Ignoring ethical considerations will delay health improvements among African Americans.

Author Biography

Rueben C. Warren

Rueben C. Warren DDS, MPH, DrPH, MDiv, John A. Kenny Hall Bldg.–Room 44-107, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL 36088. Phone: (334) 724-4554

Published

2020-10-21

How to Cite

Warren, R. (2020). Enhancing the Health of African Americans Using a Public Health Ethics Lens . American Journal of Health Studies, 35(2). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2020.199