Home > Review Articles > Race and unhealthy behaviors: chronic stress, the HPA axis, and physical and mental health disparities over the life course

Race and unhealthy behaviors: chronic stress, the HPA axis, and physical and mental health disparities over the life course

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 26
Authors:
  • Jackson JS et al
Summary:

This analysis of survey data from the first two waves of the Americans’ Changing Lives Survey (obtained from the same people at two points in time) investigated whether unhealthy behaviours play a stress-buffering role in observed racial disparities in physical and mental health. The analysis found that the relationship between stressful life events and depression varies by the level of unhealthy behaviours; such behaviours seem to protect against depression in African Americans but lead to higher levels of depression in Whites.

Comment:
The issue here is ‘chronically stressful environments’. Such studies add to the building evidence that ethnic disparities in health are a consequence of inequalities in the distribution of health determinants; those in more disadvantaged positions (social, economic, education, housing, etc) are more at risk for ‘chronic stress’ and have worse health and higher mortality. However, we must address those underlying causes of the differential distribution in ‘disadvantage’, one of them being, according to the authors and others, racism.
Reference: Am J Public Health. 2010;100(5):933-9.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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