There are several diseases that are common to females in the African American community. Common cultural and genetic factors sometimes increase the risk factors for certain ailments and conditions. Such diseases include diabetes mellitus, heart disease and HIV/AIDS, which, when left untreated, result in high mortality rates.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that is common among African American females, particularly the Type 2 form. In Type 2 diabetes, there is insufficient insulin production in the body; in Type 1 diabetes, there is no insulin production at all. According to the National Organization for Women Foundation, 11.8 percent of African American females age 20 or older have type 2 diabetes. Twenty-five percent of African American females age 55 and over have both types of diabetes.
Heart Disease
According to the National Women's Health Information Center, African American females have a 35 percent higher chance of dying from heart disease than non-Hispanic white females do. In addition, African American women have a coronary heart disease prevalence of 44.7 percent, compared with 32.5 percent seen in white women, says the American Heart Association. African American women also do not receive the same tests and treatment for heart disease compared with other groups. Heart disease affects the heart and its blood vessels; when the blood vessels are blocked and obstructed, it can result in a stroke or a heart attack.
HIV/AIDS
According to AVERT, the international AIDS charity, African American females make up 60 percent of women living with HIV in the United States. In this group it is most commonly transmitted through high-risk heterosexual contact and drug use. According to the National Women's Health Information Center, AIDS is the highest cause of death among African American females between the ages of 25 and 34.
References
- The National Women's Health Information Center: Heart disease/ Diseases in African American Females
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: HIV/AIDS for African Americans/ Diseases in African American Females
- AVERT: HIV and AIDS among African Americans/ Diseases in African American Females
- The National Women's Health Information Center: HIV/AIDS/ Diseases in African American Females
- National Organization for Women Foundation: African American Women and Diabetes
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