LATINA AND AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN - CONTINUING DISPARITIES IN HEALTH

Women of all races have faced incredible challenges as they sought to realize the promises of America. For women of color, these challenges were compounded by the second-class citizenship of U.S. racial and eth nic minority population groups. In an effort lo assess the quality of life experienced by Latina and African American women, this article pr ovides descriptive information on racial/ethnic differences in women's social conditions, health status, exposure to occupational and enviro nmental risks, and use of health services. When possible, indices are stratified by family income to limit the effects of social class on th e comparison of racial differences. The authors provide evidence that Latina and African American women are more likely than nonminority wom en to encounter social environments (e.g., poverty, densely populated neighborhoods, hazardous work conditions) that place them at risk for ill-health and injury. Although persistent racial disparities in healt h are often attributed to the lifestyle behaviors of racial minority p opulations, they are undoubtedly a consequence of poorer social condit ions as well as barriers in access to quality health services. To achi eve further gains, public policies must reduce social inequalities (i. e., by gender, race, and social class) and assure greater equity in ac cess to resources that facilitate healthier environments and lifestyle s. Public health initiatives should be community-based, reflecting a s hared partnership that actively engages minority women in decision-mak ing about their lives.