Reducing health disparities and improving health equity in the United States and Saint Lucia

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To create a sustainable model for community health education, tracking and monitoring of selected health conditions (diabetes and mental health), research training, and health policy action in St. Lucia, which may be applicable to underserved African Americans in the U.S. DESIGN AND METHODS: Phase one of this pilot study included a mixed methods analytic approach. Adult clients at risk for or diagnosed with diabetes (n=157) and health care providers/clinic administrators (n=39) were recruited from 5 diverse healthcare facilities in St. Lucia to assess their views on health status, health care services and existing challenges/opportunities to improve health equity. Content analyses of the qualitative data were conducted. RESULTS: Preliminary analyses of qualitative data indicated an awareness of the relatively high prevalence of diabetes and other chronic illnesses. Patients generally acknowledged that one’s socioeconomic status (SES) has an overall impact on health outcomes, though anyone, regardless of SES, may be diagnosed with a chronic disease. Finally, participants indicated desire for better accessibility to healthcare services and improvements to existing healthcare infrastructures to provide better services. CONCLUSION: Findings from this pilot project could serve as a model to help advance health equity among diverse populations through evidence based, culturally tailored community education and prevention efforts. These activities may play a vital role in improving the health status and healthcare among St. Lucians with chronic health conditions and inform similar strategies that may be effective in the United States.