Il Racism, xenophobia and discrimination have a fundamental influence on health globally, but have so far been overlooked by researchers, policymakers and health professionals, suggests a series of four papers published on December 8 at The Lancet.The study authors urge health professionals to consider these issues as public health priorities.
Racism, xenophobia and discrimination are common, structural and can come in many forms, from microaggressions to interpersonal and state violence. There is solid evidence to suggest that health outcomes are usually worse among minority groups and that racism plays a role.
Describing the discrimination suffered by Filipinos, study author Gidean Lasco of the University of the Philippines Diliman told Univadis.com, «Since the Philippines has a significant diaspora — about 10 percent of the population lives and works abroad — Filipinos have historically experienced all kinds of racism and discrimination in various parts of the world, from early twentieth-century anti-immigration laws to violence and hatred toward Asians today.»He added, «These have resulted in negative repercussions on mental and physical health, as well as structural barriers that ultimately result in injustices in access to healthcare.»
In addition, in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK, there were higher mortality rates among ethnic groups in Bangladesh, black Africans, black Caribbeans, Pakistanis and Indians. Under South Africa’s vaccination programme, racially and socioeconomically marginalised groups (who often have the highest vaccination acceptance rates) were less likely to receive vaccinations. Migrant groups and other minority classes, such as scheduled castes in India, often face discrimination and obstacles to access to healthcare. Similarly, indigenous peoples around the world experienced worse health outcomes, including lower life expectancy, higher neonatal and maternal mortality, and malnutrition.
There is a tendency to assume that these inequalities are genetically determined and cannot be modified.
The series of articles challenges this notion, along with the issue that any disparity can be explained by patterns of socioeconomic deprivation existing in racial and ethnic minority groups.He prefers to emphasize the significant role of physiological responses caused by past and present discrimination in explaining inequalities in racial health.
«Discrimination affects health in many ways, which have often been difficult to measure, because the effects of discrimination can appear over long periods of time,» said UCL population health scientist Sujitha Selvarajah in a press release. «However, existing evidence suggests that, rather than genetic difference, as is often assumed due to misconceptions of racial difference, it is the direct and indirect biological impacts of discrimination that constitute a significant key driver of racial health inequalities worldwide,» he added.
Researchers have challenged the widespread belief that caste, ethnicity and race are non-modifiable risk factors in all diseases, from cancer and cardiovascular disease to COVID-19.
They suggest six key principles for addressing the health harms caused by racism, xenophobia and discrimination.
This must begin by undoing the legacy of colonization to create a more equitable society and to address both restorative and transformative justice.Diversity and inclusion are also required, to improve social cohesion and resilience. There is a need for a greater understanding of the connections between racism, xenophobia and related forms of discrimination. Racial equity must be adopted at all levels. Finally, support for human rights-based approaches is needed.
Devakumar has some practical advice for healthcare professionals. «My main advice is simply to think about issues related to racism, xenophobia and discrimination,» he said. «This might sound very basic, but it’s generally not on the radar of busy doctors. But racism, xenophobia and discrimination are important determinants of health and will be key drivers of the diseases that patients will present. This will help diagnose problems and develop solutions. Is the patient facing mental or physical health problems due to racial abuse at school?Are patients recently arrived migrants who show up late because of barriers in the health system?»
«The other component is to act as a patient advocate,» he added. «This can be done at the individual level or at the local or national government level. You can establish contacts with organisations working in this area to provide your experience, which is usually very valuable.»
Lasco agrees, «Practicing cultural sensitivity in clinics and alongside the patient can mean a lot on an individual level. At the institutional and structural levels, health professionals must support policies, legal instruments and social movements that promote racial and social justice.»
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Source — https://www.univadis.it/viewarticle/il-razzismo-la-xenofobia-e-la-discriminazione-sono-2022a100293c