South Florida: a national microcosm of diversity and health disparities

J Cult Divers. 2005 Winter;12(4):136-44.

Abstract

South Florida is a microcosm of diversity that reflects a changing national population. The purpose of this paper is to examine some common health status indicators in the four counties that comprise South Florida. The researchers look at birthweight, neonatal and infant death rates, receipt of prenatal care, major causes of death, availability of health care facilities and services, and expenditures for health. Data indicate that, of the four counties, the most affluent has the worst health indicators, and the least affluent--with the highest proportion of minority residents--has some of the best health status indicators. The researchers provide implications for practitioners and future research.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Community Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Community Health Services / supply & distribution
  • Cultural Diversity*
  • Female
  • Florida / epidemiology
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Health Status Indicators*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minority Groups* / statistics & numerical data
  • Resource Allocation
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Vital Statistics