Addressing social justice through primary disease prevention

The healthcare system seems not to be working, particularly, for the underserved. This is largely contributed to socioeconomic factors, the lack of income and health insurance, Moreover, the pervasive reality of subjectivity and discretion in healthcare may lead to racism and classism, such as providing disparate treatment, assumptions about intelligence, and lifestyle. Unfortunately, this will lead to greater disparities in healthcare, as patients might become less trusting and will not seek care. Therefore, the objective of this study is to eliminate healthcare disparities through primary prevention of diseases. The disease chosen in this study is diabesity (diabetes and ovesity) because Mississippi ranks #1 in obesity, reaching epidemic proportions, and obesity is related to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Because of these alarming statistics, the Center of Excellence in Minority Health and the Institute of Epidemiology and Health Services Research at Jackson State University is launching a Power to Prevent Program focusing on diabesity prevention through healthy eating and physical activity. The study population is a cohort of African Americans who reside in rural Mississippi since they are disproportionately affected by diabesity. It is anticipated that by the end of the study, the participants' attitude toward a healthy lifestyle will be strengthened, diabesity health literacy will increase, and they will be empowered to make informed choices about their own health. The findings of this study will be utilized to promote social justice and policies on physical activity and healthy eating in Mississippi.