The political polarization of health outcomes in the USA
4 hours ago
- #health disparities
- #public health
- #political polarization
- Conservative Americans experienced worsening health and higher mortality than liberals during the 2010s.
- The widening health gap is partly due to demographic realignment, with less healthy individuals moving into the conservative camp.
- Lower trust in medical professionals among conservatives leads to reduced care-seeking, adherence to advice, and belief in medication effectiveness.
- Political beliefs have become a social determinant of health, influencing health behaviors beyond COVID-19.
- Health disparities between political groups are not fully explained by demographics, geography, or public policy.
- Conservatives showed higher mortality from internal causes like heart disease and cancer, especially after 2020.
- Survey data indicate conservatives are less likely to visit primary care doctors and trust medical advice.