Developing health assessment for black & minority ethnic groups

Developing health assessment for black & minority ethnic groups

Description: "London is the most ethnically diverse city in the UK, with approximately one quarter of its population from a black or minority ethnic group and a number of important ‘white’ minority groups in addition to these. Recognition of ethnicity is an important element in pan-London strategies for the health of Londoners, as illustrated by the London Health Strategy (Coalition for Health & Regeneration and the Outline Strategic framework), the Association of London Government’s Race, Health and Social Exclusion Commission and The Health of Londoners Project Public Health Report for London. The recent Acheson Report also stressed the importance of specifically considering the health and service needs of black and minority ethnic communities when addressing inequalities in health.

There are a number of ways in which health and ethnicity are linked:

The determinants of health may differ between ethnic groups. They include not only different population structures and genetics, but also cultural, generational and socio-economic factors with differential impacts on health.

The prevalence of illness and of health related behaviours can be quite distinct for different ethnic groups. This will affect the balance of services within an area and the setting and achievement of health targets.

Access to and quality of health and related services is a key issue. Services have to be responsive to differential health needs and be appropriate and acceptable to particular groups and to a culturally diverse population.

A combination of the above factors leads to demonstrable differences in health outcome indicators for different communities. Such indicators are important in prioritising investment in the quantity and quality of services."

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