They explain that they extracted information on median household income and educational level according to census block but do not indicate that they adjusted for these variables. Socioeconomic factors may influence pharmacy supplies in ways that do not entail bias. Although this situation may reflect injustice, it does not necessarily indicate bias. Solutions to racial disparities in health care require a clear understanding of the causes of the disparities. Those emanating from socioeconomic inequality require different strategies from those attributable to racial discrimination or bias.
Race is a complex construct that serves as a proxy for many different factors.
Determining how each of these factors contributes to racial differences in health care is a necessary step toward identifying the sources of racial injustice and finding the keys to its elimination. Somnath Saha, M.D., M.P.H. Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center Portland, OR 97207 References 1 . Return to Text 2 . Freeman HP, Payne R. Racial injustice in health care. Return to Text 3 .